KLATE’S TROPHY CABINET

Daine Klate has a medal collection that many players can only dream of, making it difficult to pick the one he appreciates the most. But if put on the spot, the experienced winger does not hesitate to say that his first Absa Premiership title with SuperSport United back in the 2007/08 campaign is his best. Klate played a key role for Matsatsantsa that season and has since gone on to win a total of six league titles with the clubs he has played for. No other player has won as many PSL league titles than Klate. “Maybe one day when I retire I will be able to choose one, but to be honest with you, your first league title is obviously going to be the best and closest to you because it’s never happened to you before,” the 33-yearold, who has won titles with every club he has played for, admits. When it comes to knockout competitions, Klate says the Absa Cup [now Nedbank Cup] is the one he holds closest to his heart. SuperSport beat Bidvest Wits, who was relegated that season, 1-0 in 2005 thanks to a goal scored by lanky striker Lungisani Ndlela. Klate was 20 at the time and had established himself as a regular in coach Pitso Mosimane’s side. “Winning the Absa Cup with SuperSport and playing a part in that was great. That was my first medal where I actually contributed, so those firsts are always special,” he says. Now that he is in the colours of Chippa, Klate will be hoping he can inspire the Chilli Boys to their first ever trophy in top-flight football. They certainly have a squad capable of success, with experienced players such as Mark Mayambela, Jabulani Shongwe, Thabo Nthethe, Daniel Akpeyi and Kurt Lentjies.