Safety comes first
Swallows FC’s on-loan defensive midfielder, Givemore Khupe, who proudly mentions his numerous Amajita caps, talks to Soccer Laduma’s Peter Raath about how he looked on the bright side during time out injured. He also reveals what Gavin Hunt told him and shares his thoughts on the U23 rule.
Peter Raath: Before we talk about Swallows FC, please tell us step by step about your eventful but difficult journey as a young footballer, which included being sidelined for a whole year at Bidvest Wits through injury.
Givemore Khupe: I first played for two Johannesburg-based amateur teams, Inner City Ambassadors FC and Hillbrow Action FC, before going to Bidvest Wits in June 2013 as an open trialist with lots of other kids. That’s where coach Peter Rabolele spotted me and I was later promoted to their MDC team at the very young age of 16, by Glen Salmon and Caesar Maphala. During February 2017, after playing for two consecutive seasons, I got a serious knee injury at training, which kept me out for that year. Wits treated me exceptionally well during my recovery. After undergoing an operation on my ACL, I did my rehab and gym sessions there, while my family also helped a lot. If I was a forward, I would have asked them to donate some ligament so that I didn’t lose any speed after the surgery. But being a centre-back, the doctor reconstructed my ACL using my own ligaments. At first, the injury affected me mentally. However, as time went by, I began to use it as a positive thing.
PR: What do you mean?
GK: It became an opportunity to improve my game. Honestly, I’m now able to perform better physically and also by watching for a long time from the outside without actually playing, it brought a new hunger. I think it’s all in the mind. If you tell yourself that you can do something, you can do it. I never got the chance to play in the U17 national team, went straight into the U20s, making my Amajita debut in 2016, but then missed out on both the 2017 U20 Afcon and FIFA U20 World Cup through that injury. However, I won the 2018 U20 COSAFA Cup and, after our qualification at the 2019 Afcon, we all headed to Poland for the FIFA U20 World Cup. It’s every youngster’s dream to represent his country at such a tournament. For me, it was a great, great feeling and experience playing against the best countries in the whole world. Although I have about 25 U20 caps to my name, I can’t single out any particular match as a highlight. All my games in the national team were always the best because it’s an honour to represent your country. Having said that, the World Cup did bring lots of special memories. Now I’m fighting for my place in the U23 side but the coach, David Notoane, hasn’t included me in his list for next year’s Tokyo Summer Olympics.
PR: How does Bidvest Wits head coach, Gavin Hunt, rate you?
GK: Gavin is fine with the way I play, but he said that I must improve my body because centre- backs are usually big and strong. The coach doesn’t doubt my talent. However, he knows that I need more game-time to compete with the club’s other defenders, Buhle Mkhwanazi and Tyson Hlatshwayo, who are the most reliable pair in the country. They are quality and keeping me out. Growing up, I always played centre-back, but have been converted into a defensive midfielder at Swallows by Brandon Truter. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve worked with and knows what to do with his players. Actually, we both sometimes talk about the same thing that Gavin said when referring to my body’s strength. I was happy to score on my second start for the Birds when I hit a penalty during our 2-1 win over Uthongathi FC at round 15 (laughing).
PR: Why did it take you almost half a season to make your Swallows debut and what do you think of the U23 rule?
GK: My teammates were working hard and only when they got injured was I able to play. Remember, I cover two positions, centre-back and defensive midfielder, and although I’ve been totally injury-free here, I can’t say that I’ve cemented my place in the team yet. To be honest, I’m a soccer player and have to rely on what coach Brandon decides. I like the U23 rule because it gives young boys such as myself an opportunity to grow. It’s not only good for me but also for South African football, which needs lots of young talent. These unknown boys are now able to reach the spotlight. I was still 18 years old when I made my professional debut in the NFD for Cape Umoya United. I learnt a lot there. It was a different stage in my career. I’ll say again, it’s all about hard work and believing in yourself. I want our leagues to continue but with no risk to any human’s life because safety comes first.
PR: Thanks, Givemore. GK: Anytime, Peter. ❐