TM: What was it like working with the former Bafana Bafana coach and how did he use you? CA:
who can do the job, that’s football. That’s how it goes.
The thing he brought me in for was the aggressiveness and the counter-pressing. That little bite and attitude on and off the ball. I think he thought it was something that could benefit the team. I tried my best to make the off-the-ball work look a bit sexier and not just be on the ball all the time. I think that’s why he brought me in, for that doggedness. I always gave my best for the benefit of the team, whether it meant playing as an eight or as a sixor wherever. He knew that I would always put in a shift and that he could rely on me. If it meant being the best team player in the stands, then I would be the best team player in the stands. I think that’s something that benefitted me, to find favour with him. I’ve worked with the man for many years and I always tell him that I have my degree with him now. I put him up there (as one of the best). He’s more than a coach to a lot of players.
TM: What was the season like for the side, considering they did not keep Baxter?
CA:
We survived the play-offs. We ended 12th. The last two teams got relegated and then the third- and fourth-last teams went into the play-offs. We ended just above that.
TM: Sounds like you had quite a stressful time of it over there…
CA:
I came in when there were about 12 or 13 games left in the season. Also, coach Baxter took over later on when the season had already started. I think it was like halfway through the season and it was not too good of a spell. Credit should go to him because he did a lot. It was a big project for him because in such a situation, it’s not just about football and results, it’s about the mental side as well. So, I think he did well to survive. It was a great thing he did for the club. The club loves him, and I take my hat off to him. He is someone who makes you feel better than you really are. That’s what he brought to the team because he made us feel that way. I have nothing but respect for the team and I think I was privileged to be with them.
TM: Did playing in Sweden help improve your game in any way?
CA:
I feel it did. I learnt a lot while playing in a different league. I feel that it’s a bit more structured, more organized and it’s a bit more physical. I think this league has its advantages, but the league in South Africa also has its advantages that I don’t see in the league in Sweden. Although I was only here for six months, I can take the things I learnt with me wherever I go next year. It’s not all in vain.
TM: Have you officially started looking for a new club, maybe even back in South Africa?
CA:
Yes, I have. The PSL is ongoing, and I am in the market. But I want to be careful with what I say. Let’s just say I have been talking to two teams that I have been discussSouth ing with in Africa, but there is nothing concrete as yet. It’s about putting offers on the table and deciding what’s best for my famwhy ily. That’s I say it’s complex because the team (Helsingborgs) needs to make a decision on me, and they are taking too long. I gave them almost a month and they can’t be clear with me. Right now, I am just talking to two teams in South Africa.
TM: It was not easy finding a club in the PSL after leaving Kaizer Chiefs, so how do you rate your chances now?
CA:
I was telling my wife if clubs look at a 34-year-old, then it’s a turn-off. But I still feel good. The body is good and the mind is good. But it is what it is. I don’t want to say too much about that.
TM: Maybe after playing overseas, there are some clubs that will make concrete offers to use that experience you gained, don’t you think? CA:
I hope that does give me some credit to find a team back home. We will see how it goes. It’s a little stressful to go through the festive period like this, not knowing exactly what’s going to happen. I was hoping to have it all figured out or sorted by now, but it seems I am jobless going into next year.
TM: Thank you so much for your time, Cole. We hope to see you back on the pitch in 2024.
CA:
Thank you so much for the opportunity. ❐