Gold Memories with Abel ‘Chacklas’ Shongwe
Gold Memories with Abel ‘Chacklas’ Shongwe

Posted in News on Nov 09, 2011.

Abel Shongwe joined the Glamour Boys as an 18-year old from Swaziland. He will be remembered for his sweet left foot and his runs that gave many defenders problems in the then NSL.

He spoke to kaizerchiefs.com about his time as a Glamour Boy.



My transfer…



I signed for the Amakhosi on 24 June 1986, I will never forget that day. I signed from Mbabane Highlanders. I came here through a gentleman who used to work for the Club, Makhosi Shezi.



I came to South Africa with a gentleman by the name of Hamilton. I was delighted to have joined my childhood Club, Kaizer Chiefs. I was even happier to join my brother, William Shongwe and ‘Scara’ Thindwa.



My debut…



It was against Hellenic and I remember very well coming on as a substitute replacing Trevor ‘KKK’ Mthimkhulu.

I played on the left with Teenage Dladla moving to the right side of the midfield. I have always respected Teenage and it was an honour to be in the same team with him. I am also grateful to Ted Dimitri for handing me my debut.



My first goal…



It was against Arcadia, I think my second game for Chiefs. I came as a sub and I scored from the penalty spot.

The late Ace (Ntsoelengoe) called me over and just handed me the ball. I was bit nervous but I knew I was a good penalty taker and I managed to beat one of the best goalkeepers then, Deshi Baktawer and we won 1-0.



Toughest opponent…



It was the late Sam ‘Ewie’ Khambule from Mamelodi Sundowns. He was tough defender to deal with but I would take him on as he was not very fast.



Team you wanted to beat most…



I wanted to win against all the teams’ even friendly matches. I must say though it was sweet to beat Orlando Pirates - but not forgetting Mamelodi Sundowns.



My best goal…



It was against Orlando Pirates in the Iwisa Spectacular. I came on as a substitute and scored with my first touch hitting a 25 metre pile driver. We beat Pirates 4-2 with Scara (brace) and Shane McGregor scoring the other goals.



I also scored a beauty against Sundowns at Orlando Stadium to force the game to go to extra time as they were leading 1-0. It was a good combination between Chippa Molatedi and Shane & I.



Best Buddy/Roommate…



It was Doctor Khumalo and Fani Madida. We all went to school together. We would hang out after the games with Bobby (Motaung) joining us but we all knew that we had to go home early!



My favourite pitch…



Ellis Park Stadium without a doubt! Even today with all the World Cup Stadium, Ellis Park is still the best!



My favourite Coach…



I will choose two; Jeff Butler and Ted Dimitri…they brought the best out of me and of course they brought silverware to the Club.



My nickname…



Chacklas! A journalist, Fanyana Shiburi gave me the nickname after a hit song



My highlight at Chiefs…



It was when I won my first trophy with Chiefs, JPS back in 1986. I remember Ace Ntsoelengoe scoring a winner for us as we beat Swallows 2-1 after the first game had ended goalless.



My idol…



It has to be my late parents; Michael and Janet. They were pillars of strength and taught me good values and it was not a problem for me to settle in Joburg after leaving home at the age of 18.

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