That’s our weak point
Inn this week’s instalment instl ment of NFD Focus, Soccer Laduma's Peter Raath chats to Real Kings striker Thobani Kunene, Kun about the club’s poor start. He also touches on the defunct Platinum Stars, his goals and Papy Faty.
Peter Raath: Why did Real Kings fail to win their opening six games before finally overpowering Royal Eagles and Maccabi FC, then drawing with Richards Bay FC, thanks to your four goals?
Thobani Kunene: The new signings didn’t understand the way Kings played. I can’t mention names, but our combinations failed as they had to adjust. Maybe it’s because the guys weren’t strong mentally – however, things are getting better. Losing goalkeeper Ricardo Goss to Bidvest Wits also played a role, as he was Kings’ core. Without him, we’ve conceded in every game except against Cape Umoya United. Another key player, Lindokuhle ‘Ma 11’ Mtshali, has hamstring problems. Sometimes he trains, other times he doesn’t. No wonder the team hasn’t been performing. ‘Ma 11’ was regarded as the engine room last season. Another big loss through injury is last season’s top scorer, Nkosingiphile Phewa. He scored 11 times before popping his knee in pre-season. Regarding my goals, it’s now my time. This season, I’m aiming to be the NFD’s top marksman. That’s why I’m working my butt off in order to be snapped up by a PSL club. I also need to experience other places, like Cape Town – I’d love to play there or in Jozi. If any team wants me, I’ll go. Some of the Kings boys have long contracts, but not me; I’ve got just six months left.
PR: After scoring 32 goals for Kings in 2015/16, didn’t you join the now defunct Platinum Stars?
TK: Yes, Peter. But I went to the PSL too soon. Going straight from the ABC Motsepe League to the topflight was a big challenge. I was a bit shaky and didn’t know anything. I couldn’t handle the pressure back then, but now I’m more mature and know what to do both on and off the ball. At Platinum Stars, I didn’t get much game-time as the coach believed in the experienced older guys. However, in five matches, I did manage to score against Orlando Pirates. I’m mobile, a born striker and can score with both feet as well as headers. Before making history with those 32 goals, my career began in the LFA at a club called History Makers (laughing). That’s when I won the Golden Boot with 18 successful strikes. I then joined SAB League side Pinetown FC, in 2014, where another 10 goals came my way. I was still at school, but after my matric exams, our current coach, Simo Dladla, gave me a job at Kings.
PR: What else can you tell us about yourself and what is the latest news on Papy Faty?
TK: A few years ago, I didn’t know what to say about myself, whereas currently, I’ve a lot to say because I’ve gained experience. After normal club training, I do my own shooting practice and also attend gym. I do research on my phone about how to improve as a striker, which includes placement of the ball, running with or without it and passing. I wouldn’t say that I’ve got an agent, but it’s someone who’s helping me mentally (not even financially). He’s just there for me. Papy Faty, who scored for us in August against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC, is not playing anymore due to his heart problem. It came back. I heard Papy is waiting for the test results, but he’s involved in helping our strikers. Every training session or game, he tells me, “Concentrate. When you’re in the box, close your ears and shoot all the time. If you don’t take a chance, you won’t score.”
PR: Returning to issues on the pitch... your team went ahead against Ajax Cape Town, Jomo Cosmos and Mbombela United, but ended up with just one point, while conceding seven goals. What went wrong?
TK: On all occasions, we lost concentration. That’s our weak point. Simo always tells us to focus, work hard and look after our jobs. He might be a bit stressed, but doesn’t take it out on the players. The coach helps us a lot. The defenders of Cosmos were clever. They didn’t want us to be in one-on-one situations with their keeper, so every time we broke, they’d hold,hld grab b or tackle kl us. Some of the tackles were dirty – maybe there was something there. In the Mbombela game, their backline blocked everything. Following that 2-2 draw with Ajax, it was my cross that led to us beating Umoya1-0 via an own goal. I found it funny playing against my old teammates such as Dino Visser, Erick Chipeta and Siphiwe Mnguni. It’s sad to say this, but I was glad Siphiwe got injured because I really know him. Eish, that guy is a good player. I don’t know what happened... just saw him lying there clutching his head.
PR: Before leaving Durban to face Ubuntu Cape Town, you believed a victory was inevitable, but the game ended 1-1.
TK: I think Kings played well, as always, but needs to work on this problem of conceding goals. If the team can win two games in a row, then we’ll move up the log to a safer position.
PR: Thanks for the chat, Thobani, and enjoy the Christmas break.
TK: It’s a pleasure, Peter. ❐