‘EL Budha’ as Jose Torrealba is affectionately known is still highly regarded by the fans despite the lack of game time. The South American who love for football is evident every time he talks about the ‘beautiful game’ insists that he has a lot to offer for the Glamour Boys and reveals to kaizerchiefs.com that David Mathebula is his favourite player at Chiefs.

How are you planning to bring back your form?

Sbu Hlengwa

Jose Torrealba: (takes a huge sigh) To be back at my level best, I need to play more games. It is very difficult when you are not playing. I am working hard at training every day and try to do everything the Coach is expected of me…but I am not playing and I need to play to regain my form.

How do you feel about not getting game time this season?

Luyolo Makwabe

Jose Torrealba: It is frustrating I must admit. I am working hard like everybody and it is difficult when you have to watch your teammates from the stands or the bench. I try to support my colleagues help everyway I can. It the Coach’s decision on who plays on the day. My job is to train and be ready when I am given an opportunity to play.

I would love to see you being played more as an attacking midfielder (second striker), partner (Knowledge) Musona and create more goals for him. Which position would you prefer playing, behind or as a main striker?

Sphiwe Ngwenya

Jose Torrealba: I like to play as a second striker because I am not a box player. I like getting involved in build-ups, make runs to create spaces for my teammates. I can also play as a main striker as well. I have played both roles in the past so it would depend on how the Coach wants to use me in that particular game.

Have you ever played for your country (Venezuela), if yes how many caps and how many goals did you score?

Luther Moreti

Jose Torrealba: Yes, I have played about twenty five (25) times for my country scoring 7 goals. I played during the last Copa America (2007) hosted in my home country.

Why are you not playing?

Rubbas Hlongo

Jose Torrealba: This is the question for the Coach. Like I said, all I am doing is training hard and I am now waiting for my opportunity to get a chance to play.

Has the Coach told you why he is not playing you…at Sundowns you and Josta formed a good combination I am sure this can happen here at Chiefs…

Readwell Koko

Jose Torrealba: I spoke to the Coach once about my situation. I accept his decision not to play me and I am positive about it. I assured him that I would be ready to do the job when he calls me and that is all I can say for now.

Yes, I have a very good understanding with JD (Josta Dladla) but also we have other quality players here and I would be comfortable to play with anyone.

Your first two months were great when you arrived at the Club, then you suffered an injury and your game has never been the same…what is the situation with your contract?

Sipho Kenneth Twala

Jose Torrealba: The injury I suffered against Swallows (MTN 8 semi final second leg, 2008) was a huge setback for me. I remember I had a pain in my back around the neck area but on that day I sustained an injury on my lower back. I was out for a very long time. I returned early in the year when we played against Sundowns…I had not healed properly but I wanted to play. I think I might have aggravated the injury because I again sat four weeks out. When I look back it is where things started going wrong for me. I am over that now and I am waiting to be given an opportunity to play.

Before the end of last season, I spoke to Football Manager, Bobby Motaung and told him that I wanted to stay because Chiefs is the best organized Club in the country and I was happy here. I also told him that it was important for me to play. Things have not changed though as I find myself in the same situation as last season.

How do you feel when you watch from the bench while the Club is losing? Who is your favourite player at Chiefs?

Tshepiso Ndhlovu

Jose Torrealba: It is natural that you will feel bad when you team is losing whether you on the bench or on the pitch.

David Mathebula is my favourite player here. He is smart, has quick mind, good technique and very precise. I also like Knowledge (Musona).

Tell us about you love for dancing? Would you consider staying in South Africa after your playing days?

Thebe Mohatle

Jose Torrealba: (Smiles) I have always loved Salsa. It is a dance originally from Cuba. In Venezuela there is a lot of Cuban influence and we all do this dance back home. I enjoy dancing with my wife or when I am with my family. I would say that it is my favourite past time and I am thinking of joining some dancing classes in the country to learn more about local dancing…with our schedule as footballers it is not easy though as we always training or at camp.

I came here to play for two years and now I have been here for almost five years and I love it here. My wife and my family love South Africa. I cannot confirm though whether I will end up staying here or move back to my country. I have enjoyed every minute really in this country…one thing that is lacking is game time (Smiles). Football is like that sometimes.

What is your biggest ambition?

Jose Torrealba: I want to win the league with Kaizer Chiefs. I have done it twice with my previous Club and it would be nice to do it here…put smiles on the faces of our supporters.