Doc’s memory bank: My first touch was a pass to Maringa…

Wedson would predict the score three weeks in advance and, to my surprise, he would sometimes get it right. When we faced Mamelodi Sundowns in the 1994 BP Top Eight final, I was injured with my ankle heavily swollen. Phillipe Troussier was going crazy telling the late Dr Phil Maepa, may his soul rest in peace, “If Khumalo is not ready on Saturday, then you are not a doctor! I want this man on the field!” When he announced the team going to camp on Thursday, I was surprised to hear my name as I was still swollen. We camped on Thursday, on our way to the hotel, Wedson told me, “If we are going to camp today, being Thursday, for a Saturday match then this is a big game.” I explained the history and competition between the two teams, to him. He then said, “No, I have to score in this game then. But how am I going to do that with your ankle this swollen?” He grabbed my foot, put it on his thigh before blowing hot air into his hands and he started massaging my ankle saying a prayer. After that, he told me I was going to be their match-winner, but I asked how is that possible when I was that swollen? He said he didn’t know but his faith told him I was going to win the game for the team. Come Saturday, I was on the bench and the coach brought me on when the score was 2-2. My first touch was a pass to Maringa, who made it 3-2 and that’s how we won the game. I went to Wedson and told him, in disbelief, “Hey man, you said I was going to be the match-winner and that’s exactly what happened. How did you know about it?” He laughed and said, “I told you, but I had no idea where that prediction came from.” I must say, I get goosebumps reminiscing about these guys because they are some of the important people in my career, as they made me to become one of the best midfielders of my time. Wedson had so much positive influence in our team and our supporters have no idea of this man’s impact. He’s one of the senior players I could call on when the chips were down. The three of them, Amukola, Nyirenda and Maringa always insisted that they didn’t come to South Africa to become losers, they were here to win and contribute towards the team’s success. To my surprise, years later, I meet this guy as I am the Baroka FC’s Technical Director, and the club hires him to come and coach our boys. When his name was suggested, I was so excited, and you should have seen us when we met for the first time as Baroka employees. We were jumping like kids in pre-school. We were so happy to be re-united post our playing careers. It was such a special moment for both of us. I told him, the moment his name was mentioned I smiled because I knew we were getting a top coach and a great human being. He told me when he heard I was at the club, he couldn’t wait to get going because he knew we would form a solid combination, bringing out the best in each other like we did back in the day. This man went on to deliver silverware at Baroka by winning the Telkom Knockout. I was so proud of him for winning that trophy because it sent out a strong message about his capabilities as a coach. He may be quiet and reserved but he knows his job very well. I don’t think we got enough out of Wedson as a coach and that is the sad reality about the SADC region and coaching. I don’t think he was celebrated or respected enough as a coach and I still hope someone will one day give this man another chance in our league. These guys were just unbelievable in our team. A three-hour bus drive would feel like an hour or so because of the conversations we would have in the back seat. That’s how unbelievable our team spirit was. Even at training, we never felt anything because we enjoyed it until it was done. When we played, even if we lost, we knew we always gave it our all and there was no one who could point a finger at anyone else. Wada always aimed for a win and was such an unbelievable teammate to have. The man never cheated the game or disrespected the Chiefs badge. He always gave his all to make sure he gave the supporters what they came to get at the stadium. I really want to applaud this man for everything he has done for Amakhosi.