Zakri confident Downs can do it
THE British sitcom Mind Your Language, about a group of immigrants learning English where plenty is lost in translation to huge comical effect, has nothing on the conversations that happen in Mamelodi Sundowns’ camp.
There are two Portuguese speakers, Leonardo Castro and Ricardo Nascimento, who don’t speak English. They rely on Flavio Bento to translate for them so that they can communicate with their teammates. There’s also Yannick Zakri, the French-speaking Ivorian, who also doesn’t speak the queen’s language. His countryman Soumahoro Bangaly, who recommended him to Sundowns, doubles as his translator and tour guide while he is getting used to the country.
These communication troubles are only an issue when the Brazilians aren’t on the field. The moment they are on it, they are on the same page.
“It’s difficult to communicate because I’m new to the set-up and there is the language barrier,” Zakri said through Bangaly. “But Bangaly is helping me adapt. He talks to me and helps me communicate with my teammates. Sundowns are a big team. Everyone is helpful at training. The players help me improve. On the field, it’s easy to communicate because football is one language. We understand each other easily there.”
That understanding has seen Zakri make a seamless transition into the team, bringing a different dimension to their attack in their march to the MTN8 final. Although the injured Castro was a central point of reference, Zakri plays wide and then cuts inside. He is a threat with his pace and skill. He will be looking to open his scoring account with the Brazilians this afternoon when Sundowns take on Bidvest Wits at Mbombela Stadium in the MTN8 final at 5pm.
He showed glimpses of what he can do against Chippa United in the two-legged semifinals. But his progress has been stunted by his unavailability for the African Champions League, where he is cuptied because he played in the competition this year for Asec Mimosas. Watching Sundown progress in Africa has been bitter-sweet for Zakri, especially since the 25-year-old grew up in that tournament.
“Asec helped me grow a lot,” he said. “They are a big team not only in Ivory Coast but also in Africa. They exposed me to a bigger audience because they play in the Champions League regularly, which tests not only your football talent but your attitude and mental strength. It’s sad that I can’t help Sundowns this year but it’s good that they’re doing well. I’m looking forward to playing with them there next year.”
Zakri’s confidence in himself was clear. “The people who don’t know me will know me,” he said. “I will play and score. When I do that, people will say, Zakri, Zakri, Zakri!”
His name is on the lips of many Sundowns fans, who have seen glimpses of his talent. He was also confident that those fans would sleep well tonight.
“I believe we’re going to win the trophy. Sundowns are the best team in South Africa.”