“Toni”, as Nhleko is known in football circles, had a tough time with Kaizer Chiefs faithful from day one, but during the season he answered his critics, scoring crucial goals for the team. He took time to speak to kaizerchiefs.com about his ambitions, the importance of hard work and about how he bounced back last season.

Congratulations for making it to the highest level. I still remember you playing with us at Phumula Primary School in Ermelo and one could see that this game would take you far…keep us proud.

Sifiso Magwaza, Pretoria

Nkosinathi Nhleko:</strong (Smiling) Yeah, I remember pulling strings in the middle of the park…(laughing). I had to work hard. I remember we had good players who, in my opinion, should have made it to the PSL, but then in football you need more than talent to make it to the highest level.

I loved football at a very early age…I remember this day on a Wednesday, we used to have ‘sports days’, and I missed school as I was not feeling well. However, come training in the same afternoon I was seen running on the field by teachers (laughing).

How do you foresee this season for you and your Club?

Mpho Dlamini

Nkosinathi Nhleko: It is going to be a very tough season but we are ready for the challenge. We have been working hard since reporting for the pre-season and we are all a family. I have set myself some targets this season. In fact I want to score at least 15 goals this season but then again team targets are more important than personal targets.

I just want to wish you all the best this coming season?

Elliot Zonke

Nkosinathi Nhleko: Thanks Elliot, I appreciate it. We hope we will make you proud.

I totally respect you as the best striker in the country, though I believe you are highly underrated. If you could answer this please? Watching a lot of European strikers, players in general, they score with such ease, yet you in particular tend to rush things when in front of goals. What is really difficult?

Mokete Maepa, Durban

Nkosinathi Nhleko: I must first thank you for the compliment. This is a very good question that you have asked. It is true I do rush things at times because I put myself under pressure to score all the time.

I am working on this at training, and hopefully I will keep on improving. I need composure and that is what players in Europe have…I look at someone like Diego Forlan for instance. He takes his time when inside and outside the box and that is why he was the best player in the last World Cup.

Did it ever come to your mind that you will play for (Kaizer) Chiefs when you were still with (Jomo) Cosmos? Lastly are you planning to retire at Chiefs?

Jabulani Mphuthi, Sebokeng

Nkosinathi Nhleko: It never crossed my mind, I will be very honest on this one…all I was thinking about when I was at Cosmos was going to Europe. It was when I came back that I thought of joining Chiefs.

On your second question, I would like to retire here but my focus now is on giving the best for the team. I believe I can still deliver -- retirement is not on my mind.

What is it like being a Kaizer Chiefs striker?

Pule Tsetsei

Nkosinathi Nhleko: (takes a pause) It is good because you get quality service as a striker. Then there is a pressure side that you have to deal with. I remember I was booed on my first appearance for Chiefs but ended up scoring on the same day. I never dropped my head because I am one person who believes in the ability that I have. I also put trust in God!

Which team did you support growing up?

Thembinkosi Cele

Nkosinathi Nhleko: I supported Mamelodi Sundowns and Chippa Masinga was my favourite player. I was named Chippa after him!

You seem to have a very good understanding with Knowledge Musona. What is it like playing with him?

Mangaliso Diniso

Nkosinathi Nhleko: (Knowledge) Musona is a finisher and what I do when I play with him is to make sure I create space for him…by taking a defender or two. It is important for him to score to lift his confidence, which is good for the team. It is also important that players like Musona play without pressure, but to enjoy football.

You have played overseas where professionalism is in the forefront. What is the difference between Kaizer Chiefs and the teams you played for overseas in terms of professionalism and the structure?

Trevor Oliphant

Nkosinathi Nhleko: I played overseas for almost 7 years and I can tell you they are first class and Chiefs are not far off. In fact I can say it is almost the same.

Masunduza, I was one of the critics who criticised your move to join the Glamour Boys, but you were most influential up front. I know you as a big guy with a lot of weight but now you are thinner, faster…how did you lose weight? Does it mean before you were not working hard?

Nkosinathi Nhleko:...


(Valery Nahayo walks in as Chippa is reading the question aloud)


VN: He worked very hard!

NN:</strong (Smiling) I had to work hard, Valery mfethu for sure! I was also determined, more disciplined and the ambition to succeed at Chiefs was also a driving force.

This does not mean I was not working hard at my previous club -- but the thing is, when you are in a smaller team, sometimes you tend to relax, knowing that your name will be on the starting line up on Saturday/Sunday.

At Chiefs it is different, there is pressure and there are other big players competing for places.

Kaizerchiefs.com: What about the name ‘Masunduza’?

Nkosinathi Nhleko: I think SABC sports commentator Baba Mthethwa gave it to me (smiling).

Kaizer Chiefs has just signed one of the best strikers around, Sthembiso Ngcobo. He scored his first goal last weekend in Namibia on his debut. Do you take his signing as a threat to your position in the team?

Nkosinathi Nhleko: No, not at all! All of us we have one ambition, to do our best for the team to achieve its goals. His arrival is also good for the competition. I believe that Ngcobo is a good signing for the team and is going to make his mark and I congratulate him for his call up to the national team to face Ghana next week.

What are you doing when not in the field of play and what are you planning to do when your football career is over?

Mbulelo Faniselo

Nkosinathi Nhleko: I spend time with my wife, Promise, and our two children, a boy JR (9) and Bongi (7). We like going out to places like Gold Reef City, Sun City to play mini golf and so on.

I also watch JR when he plays at school. He is more of a ‘jack of all trades’ at this point in time, as he plays rugby, football and cricket. I also take time to watch my daughter practising her ballet.

As for my wife. She is very good at tennis. I love competing with her, although I always come second best. I am sure if she had taken tennis seriously she would have been one of the best (smiling).

On your second question, I have a few businesses and I am sure I will concentrate on them when my playing days are over. Like I said before though, I am not thinking about retiring -- my wife is looking after businesses while allowing me to focus on my career.

Do you own a team back home in Ermelo and how often do you go home?

Bheki Maseko

Nkosinathi Nhleko: I used to do a tournament on a regular basis when I was playing overseas but now my schedule has become tighter. There is something in the pipeline though. I still go home as much as I can, as I still have my parents there, my dad Velaphi (68) and my mother Busisiwe (60).

Chippa, together with kaizerchiefs.com thanks all of you for sending questions through and your words of encouragement.