What I told Riveiro…
Delmain Faver: Siphelo, welcome to the pages of Soccer Laduma. It’s been incredible to see you doing your thing in the famous Black and White jersey, and we bet a lot of people didn’t think you were going to get a run so soon seeing how star-studded the team is. We must say a rise like yours is not something we see every day, where you go straight from the Motsepe Foundation Championship straight to the Buccaneers. How have you pulled it off?
Siphelo Baloni:
First of all, the only person that can make things happen and that can make miracles is God. I was also surprised, you understand, but I just told myself that it’s my time to shine. I’ve made a lot of sacrifices and I’ve gone through a lot, honestly. I just told myself that it’s a big team, but what comes first is that I should believe in myself. So, I think that’s it.
DF: What has it been that has helped you adjust so quickly because there is a huge difference in the level of the two leagues?
SB:
You know in football neh, if you believe in yourself and tell yourself that you are capable of doing this, you can adjust in any team, whether it’s a big team or a small team. But if you can tell yourself that I’m good and I’m going to have my own impact and bring the talent that I have, (then you will make it).
DF: What has your family’s reaction been to the move? We mean, one day you are pushing towards your dreams and the next you are part of one of the biggest teams in the country!
SB:
Yeah, my family were so happy because it was a big move for the family and also for me. So, I just told them that I’m so grateful to get a big move from the Motsepe Foundation (Championship) to the PSL (topflight) and also to a big team. So, I was grateful, you understand.
DF: You mention that you had to sacrifice a lot and that you went through a lot. Could you let us in on some of the challenges that you faced on this road?
SB:
When I talk about sacrifices, I talk about staying far from doing stupid things because you know when you decide to be an athlete, you must do the basics and follow the rules. By ‘the basics’, I mean you must be disciplined and respect this game because it can reward you.
DF: It was unfortunate that you missed out on the biggest game of the local football calendar, which was last weekend’s Soweto Derby, where you had to watch your team earn a 1-0 victory from the stands. One can imagine it must have been a disappointment to miss out?
SB:
I would say that the derby is a big game. I would have been happy to play against a big team in the country. It’s a different feeling because not everyone can be there, but the chosen ones can play against (Kaizer) Chiefs, you understand. When it comes to the pressure for an individual, everything starts with yourself and knowing what you are good at.
DF: What has it been like working under coach Jose Riveiro? He appears to be a very open coach who shares a close relationship with his players.
SB:
I think from the first day, me and him were good. He understands the type of player that I am. I told him that I’m not here to show that I am good enough, I’m here to improve because this is a different level and I still need to learn more and I’m competing with experienced players like (Miguel) Timm, (Thabang) Monare and so forth. I told him that I’m the kind of player that wants to grow in football. I’m not the kind of player that tells myself that I know, especially when I don’t. So, we are good, we talk about football, what I need to improve in my
game and what I’m
The likes of Thembinkosi Lorch, Thabo Rakhale, Monnapule Saleng, Tebogo Tlolane and scores of others have been signed by Orlando Pirates from lower tier teams. All of these players, prior to linking up with the side’s first team, were loaned out to gain much-needed topflight experience. Not Siphelo Baloni. Roped in from Motsepe Foundation Championship side JDR Stars at the start of the campaign, the 24-year-old immediately jetted out to Spain with the Soweto giants’ first team for pre-season and, upon his return, formed part of coach Jose Riveiro’s plans. In fact, his first DStv Premiership start came in arguably one of the biggest games of the season, against Mamelodi Sundowns, a match in which he excelled, save for the misfortune that led to the penalty which won the game for the defending champions. As Baloni’s whirlwind of a career continues to flourish, Soccer Laduma’s Delmain Faver caught up with the midfielder to talk about his move to the Buccaneers as well as that debut against Sundowns. supposed to do. We have a football language, which has been good so far.
DF: You might have missed the derby, but your first start for the club came against Mamelodi Sundowns, which is yet another big encounter. Take us into your emotional state before the game, especially when you found out that you would be in the starting XI.
SB: Yho! I was a bit nervous, but
I told myself that it’s not the first time I play against Sundowns, you understand. I played against them in a friendly match, but I knew that it would be different this time around, the game is gonna be intense. But I told myself to go there and do what I know and not put pressure on myself. (That) I’m also good and that they must feel me. I was relaxed when the game started and after I touched the ball, that’s where that feeling went away.
DF: It could have been anyone on the day but sadly you concede a penalty that ultimately saw the Brazilians winning the match A lot of people seem to think the referee made an error. How did you feel after it happened? SB: When it comes to the penalty eish, my friend, I was heartbroken but I just told myself, “Voe***k let me just be brave. There’s nothing I can do, the referee made his decision already.” I had to be brave and show character, and I think that’s what helped me going forward.
DF: You won your first trophy of the season already, in the MTN8, but it’s the league that the Buccaneers faithful are desperate to win Early on in the season and you find yourself nine points behind the log leader after 10 matches played, two more than Downs, is it a concern for you as players? SB: You know in football, there’ll always be negatives, but we as Pirates players, we believe in ourselves we know that we will get there gameby-game. If we can be consistent and win games, then we will get there Trust me, we will get there. I want to achieve a lot with Pirates Like you said we already won a trophy … it was a starter for me … but I’m looking forward to winning more trophies because I think we are only left with the league title and the Nedbank (Cup). We’ll be so happy (if we do it). That being said, I’m positive that we can catch Sundowns. In life, you must always be positive.
DF: Given that your rise has been so meteoric would a spot in Bafana Bafana be pushing it too far? SB: With the national team, eish, I still need to work hard, put in more effort and improve my game because when you play for the national team, you must be a complete player.