Catching up with John Obi Mikel
On his presence in SA and bringing the UEFA Europa League to the country for the first time ever
The Europa League is special, it is always special. Thanks to Enterprise (Rent-A-Car) for making sure this wonderful trophy comes to Africa for the first time. I mean, it’s special. So, for me, the aim is to make sure that we use this event to encourage and inspire the younger generation to continue to believe and dream that they can also win this one day. To continue to practice, continue to work hard and, you know, the sky is going to be their limit.
On what was so special about winning it with Chelsea in 2012/13
We were on our game. I think also when you look at that team that won it, it wasn’t so much of the old guys (that) were there, but we were all, like, on the verge of leaving the club. I think it was pretty much me and one or two or three (others) that was there in the team from the old guys. So, it was special. It was good. I think it was also good to win a trophy and to show the new players coming in what this club means. This club is about winning trophies and this club is about winning games, and we managed to leave that legacy for them to continue, which was special. I mean, we left the club in a good place. I hope that the new generation now starts winning games and we get back to where we should be.
On forging a path for young African players to follow in their footsteps in England and in Europe
We knew, obviously, we were dealing with something special at the club. We knew the only way we could do that was by winning trophies and we had an owner (Roman Abramovic) who was also very ruthless as well. Once we don’t win a trophy, the manager goes, ha, ha, ha. So, we were winning a trophy every year. I was there for 11 years. I think I won about 12 trophies. So, it was a trophy every year. That was the standard we set for the club and we had to set that standard for the new generation coming in. That’s why it’s difficult now for this new generation to be able to continue that journey because it’s a lot of pressure. Every year, you have to win something. It was a lot of pressure for us. We managed it, we coped with it. Sometimes it was tough, but we always came together as a team, as big personalities that we were, we always figured out a way to go back to winning ways. That was something really special.
On his views on the current Chelsea squad under Mauricio Pochettino Well, we have to continue he UEFA Europa League trophy, courtesy of globally acclaimed vehicle rental company Enterprise Rent-A-Car, made its way to South Africa in a first-of-itskind trophy showcase. The trophy did not make its way to Mzansi alone. Rather, it was accompanied by Chelsea and Nigeria legend John Obi Mikel, a man who enjoyed a trophy-laden career with the Blues and having won this specific one in the 201 2/1 3 season. Joined by Mzansi football icon Lucas Radebe, the 36-year-old took time out for a sit-down with the media in attendance. Soccer Laduma’s Delmain Faver was among those members of the Fourth Estate as questions to Mikel flew from all directions. In the interview session, as recorded below, the former defensive midfielder touched on his incredible career, gave his thoughts on the current Chelsea and Nigeria squads, while heaping praise on the Premier Soccer League. to work hard. We have to continue to practice and work hard at the training ground. It’s a different team compared to the team that we had. We were big, we were strong, we were physical, whereas I think this team now has more talent. So, we have to find a way to make sure we put them all together and once we start to gel, once
Twe start to play with each other and know each other’s game, I think it will make it easier for the team. Then we’ll come back to winning ways and start to win things again and start to compete.
On why South African players don’t seem to have the desire to move abroad
I think it’s not the mentality, I think it is the organisation. The organisation is better than our organization. I think if you look at your league (DStv Premiership), the league is that good that a player doesn’t have to go abroad to make ends meet and to support his family. Your league is much (more) organised than ours, so that’s something that we Nigerians have been crying (about) and we want to see our league (becoming) better. We know we can do it because we have so much talent. We want to grow our league, we want to improve the standard of our league, the facilities for these players to grow, for these kids, this youth. Kids who aspire to play in the Premier League. These kids need an environment where they feel comfortable to improve and that’s something you guys have. I think that’s pretty much the difference.
On Bafana Bafana being drawn against Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
It’s always a rivalry between us and Bafana Bafana when we play, so it’s always special to play against South Africa. It’s always a massive rivalry and I think all throughout my career, that’s one thing that I really enjoyed, the rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa. Nigeria and Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Cameroon. You know these big countries, every time we come to face each other, there’s always a lot of pressure. Nobody wants to lose against each other. But yeah, I look forward to it. Let’s see what happens in the Africa Cup of Nations first and then the World Cup. So, I hope Nigeria can do it again. We can win the Africa Cup of Nations next year.
On the current Nigeria squad and what they are capable of achieving
We have such a great team. I think if you look at it, I don’t think we’ve ever had a strike force which has so much depth. I don’t think Nigeria has ever had so much depth compared to this team now. So, I hope we can find a way to also defend, not just attack. If we can find a way to make sure that we secure the back and find a way to make sure that we all defend together, not just the defenders… I think once we can do that, we stand a very good chance of winning the tournament. We have a very good team, a young team, a dynamic team full of energy. Let’s hope we can do something special next year in the Africa Cup of Nations.
On the recently formed African Football League
I mean, it’s about time that African countries, with different teams, come together in football. I don’t like going into politics, so I talk about football. So, it’s high time that we come together and see how we can grow our game. I call it our game, not South Africa’s game, not Nigeria’s game. Our game, our African football. How we can make it better so that we can achieve so much from it. You look at the Saudi League… I don’t want to compare the Saudi League, the money’s too much, but if we can look at that initiative and try to follow that path, even if you can do one third of that just to grow the game, bring us together. Lead a massive tournament whereby we can enjoy watching. Doesn’t matter where we are, we watch it and say, ‘Yeah, this is our game. This is African’, you know what I mean? I love being part of this, and this is something we can all do together. I’m glad that this happened.
ills and corruption attacking us, He can make us a great nation. He also biblically reminded us of how the children of Israel were once freed from 40 years of suppression in Egypt and brought into the holy land of honey. On Saturday, we were in unity, all races, cheering our boys with great pride and forgot for a moment about our challenges. Indeed, sport is a unifier. Praise Him in His obscurity. Fano Mkhwanazi, Durban
Quick One-Twos
Well done Nienaber and your technical team. It was tough, but you guys ultimately made it. AmaBhokobhoko proved a point by winning the quarter-, semi- and the final by a single point. New Zealand played very well, but they unfortunately were up against a very determined and enterprising team led by Kolisi. New Zealand played a better part of the game one man down but never gave up, while the Boks could not fully capitalise on that. Pollard and De Klerk really played their hearts out, especially in the semis and in the final. Not to say others did not play well, but they were outstanding. Viva die Bokke viva! Back home… Eish, my team is struggling. Motaungs, with due respect, please just bring Teenage Dladla and Malombo Lechaba back to the club. Maybe Ewert Nene can smile. What’s wrong ka (with) Petersen? Aowa! Lebatlo Joshua “Mr Cool” Mati, Dilopye village, Temba
What makes a team so competitive? Nothing but maturity and consistency. We saw sheer maturity and consistency in Sundowns when they won consecutively against
Petro de Luanda and Al Ahly in the inaugural African Football League. The Brazilians have become alarmingly competitive, consistently maturing like fine wine. They are cruising over their opponents with ease, without fear. The maturity, steadiness and fearlessness being demonstrated by Sundowns players has made African football giants like Al Ahly look very ordinary. Arguably, Masandawana are playing the most entertaining football on the continent. A comprehensive type of football. I would like to salute coaches Rhulani, Manqoba and the entire technical department for reinventing the team into an all-conquering squad. Although Sundowns have a tight schedule of tournaments like the PSL, CAF Champions League and the African Football League, they will have triumphant breakthroughs because of their sound business model.
Batsirai Kativu, Johannesburg
When watching Sundowns playing continental football, you can’t help but feel good when they give as much as they get and considering they’re hoisting our flag very high in African football. They pose a real threat. They know all the tricks and dirty tactics of these teams. Here is me hoping that the one goal and clean sheet will be enough to take them to the final. In the same breath, let me congratulate Rassie, Nienaber, Sticks, Siya, the boys and each and every single South African citizen who was supporting the boys. As a country, we’ve been through a lot and we needed this to anoint our bruised souls. Indeed, sport can unify the masses. Let other sporting codes learn a thing or two from the Springboks. It’s high time now that all our sporting codes wear the same colours and bounce ideas off each other at any given time. Siyabonga Nkalambela, Delft
Why is it that when our national teams have to take part in major tournaments there are always money issues at play, while we hardly hear of same when it’s the Proteas or Springboks? Our rugby team is always performing, but the same can’t said about our national soccer teams. What are we doing wrong that they are doing right? How long should we play second fiddle to the Springboks and the Proteas? Even the national team coach said prior to the Ivory Coast match that he hopes Bafana had learnt something from AmaBhokobhoko after their victory over France. Well, money is our stumbling block to achieving greatness in football. Secondly, I recently had a tete-atete with Soccer Laduma readers’ WhatsApp group chairman and regular contributor to this lovely newspaper, Mompati Panyaza Ndlovu, about the Man of the Match in the Carling Knockout. He made me roll on the floor with laughter when he said the criteria used to choose the recipient is biased after Dolly walked away with the accolade against AmaZulu FC. He went on to say soon we’ll see a player winning it from the bench just because he’s a fanfavourite. Mr Ndlovu, you really made my weekend and I hope Limpopo is treating you well as you hardly text these days. Last but not least, get well soon, Parker. What Zungu did is unprofessional and we don’t want players like him in SA. I guess that’s why he failed abroad. Tente “The Brains” Mokoka, Sepharane
Let me first congratulate Abafana Bes’thende on their hard-fought win against the once-mighty Kaizer Chiefs. I would like to applaud the Chairlady, Mato Madlala, for the bravery of bringing a fixture of this magnitude to my township, Hammarsdale. It would be unfair if my community does not give her the freedom of my township for putting it on the map.
Frank Gwala, Hammarsdale
This week, allow me to celebrate the rise of a man named Mabhudi Khenyeza, the Arrows head coach. The man is cooking something nice at Abafana Bes’thende. Trailing Sundowns by four points is not a fluke. Khenyeza is proving that our former players can deliver if given a chance. The departure of Vilakazi to Chippa did not destabilise the ship as Mabhudi has continued doing well since then. The team is in the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout and number two on the log. I am looking forward to his interview on these pages to discuss what is it he is doing at Arrows this season. I wish they can be consistent throughout the season.
Peter wa ga Makwela, Klipgat
There’s a growing concern that needs PSL’s intervention before it gets out of control, that of players boycotting games because of sponsors and religion or a conflict of beliefs. Magoola is the latest to do so in the Carling Knockout after apparently a few other players played without the sponsors’ logo on their shirts. Sponsors pump in money for the development and betterment of the sport. Ronaldo once promoted aqua (Spanish for water) in the press conference at the expense of Heineken, which is the main sponsor of UEFA Champions League, which he has benefited a lot from over the years. Players must not be ill-advised and must know where their bread is buttered. It’s hypocrisy and biting the hand that feeds them. We have had Castle and Rothmans as sponsors and never had issues. What if Carling Black Label were to sponsor the league? Would these players terminate the contract and go hungry? Speaking of ill advices, like VeeJay (“No one wants Billiat”) and Michael Ngobeni put it, I also believe that this was the case with Khama Billiat. Lastly, the mental fortitude of the Springboks is on another level. They didn’t have an easy tournament but still conquered. Congratulations to us. We’re still the champions! Lucky Khunou, Meriting
First up, congrats to the Springboks for successfully defending the Webb Ellis trophy. You did Mzansi proud with your victory. Despite being in a tough group, you did exceptionally well beating the likes of England, Tonga and France to reach the final. It’s also interesting to note that in your last three games, you won by a difference of one point and this shows how difficult things were. The players, technical team and Nienaber deserve a pat on their backs for a good job well done. On a different note, Man United continue to disappoint as they lost the derby game against Man City. There is still a lot of work ahead for Ten Hag defensively and up front. In the last seven games in all competitions, the team has conceded nine goals and scored only 10, which is a cause for concern. Rashford has lost form as he has scored only one goal in the league and McTominay three – not good at all. Lastly, they only have one victory in the UEFA Champions League, against Copenhagen, with three group games to go.