Posted in News on May 21, 2010.
How old are you and where did it all start for you in football?
Solomzi Hlengisa
Thela Ngobeni: I am 21 years old. I started New Jack City, a team from my hometown Katlehong. That is where it all started for me. I went for trails with Orlando Pirates, I think I was 10 years old...I was playing as an in field player as a midfielder. I was good (laughing) things did not go well though for me at Pirates, in fact they did not select me.
One of my coaches at Katlehong tried me as a goalkeeper and I think I did well winning a trophy as a Goalkeeper of the Tournament. In January I went to trials at Chiefs. I impressed there and I was selected.
I might have impressed Coach, Terror Sephoa who was our U-13 coach. I played at U-13 level with the likes of Shakes he is at Bidvest now and few guys who are no longer with us. When I went there it was a year they were promoting Itu (Itumeleng Khune) to the U-15. I was his replacement. I went on to replace him at U-15, then replaced him at U-17, then U-20...maybe I will replace him in the senior team as well (laughing).
What inspired you to become a goalkeeper?
Siyabulela Tongo
Thela Ngobeni: To be honest it was during Easter Rand Gauteng Tournament. I do not remember the coach but he told me that I was a good goalkeeper and I can be good if I can take it serious. He is the one who inspired me. At home they never wanted me to be a goalkeeper...even when I brought the trophy as Goalkeeper of the Tournament they were not impressed, in particular my late father. It is a pity I do not remember the person.
How do you feel to be playing for a big Club like Kaizer Chiefs?
Boitshoko Jakgosi
Thela Ngobeni: I am very happy; it is a great feeling to be part of Kaizer Chiefs Family. At the same time it is a big challenge for me as a young soccer player. I want to do something for the Club, I want to achieve. It is a feeling that comes with a great challenge.
How are you dealing with fame? I hear you hail from Zeerust, is it true?
M.
Thela Ngobeni: (laughing) for me it is normal, there is nothing special about fame...I am just living my life. I am still the same person I was before...enjoying myself. Being known is nice. I am a normal person at the end of the day.
No, I do not come from Zeerust I was born and bred in Katlehong.
Is it always difficult to break into Kaizer Chiefs first eleven, let alone goalkeeping department?
Thela Ngobeni: Yeah definitely, it is never easy. There will always be players in your position. This means you have to work hard. It takes dedication and commitment to break...you has to work hard. I am working hard.
Itumeleng Khune might go overseas after 2010 FIFA World Cup. Do you see emerging as Club’s no. 1 goalkeeper at Chiefs?
Thuli Mboweni
Thela Ngobeni: I would love to be no. 1 at Kaizer Chiefs. We have Arthur Bartman who is the second choice. I am working my way up to be the number one. We will have to wait and see what happens.
Do you think you can do it at Chiefs as a player?
Lister Mampe
Thela Ngobeni: Yes, for sure!
What else are you doing besides playing football?
Msawenkosi Nene
Thela Ngobeni: I am planning to go to school hopefully next year. I would love to do anything to do with media...I love media. I am now focusing on football.
How did it feel when the Coach took you off just before penalties in the Telkom Charity Cup...did you see it as a sign of lack of confidence in you?
Rode Thando
Thela Ngobeni: The Coach had a plan and the plan was to take me out when we got to the penalties. I wanted to be there for penalties but it was the coach’s decision because the coach knew that Itumeleng (Khune) was good in penalties. I was just happy with my game and I respected the decision of the Technical Team.
Where do you stay? Do you have a girlfriend? How is it like to work with Goalkeeper Coach Rainer Dinkelacker?
Andrew Monei
Thela Ngobeni: I stay in Meredale. I do not have a girlfriend, I am looking...(smiling).
It is very nice to work with Rainer who is very experienced. He is like a father to us, the goalkeepers. He helps us even with stuff beyond football. He has done a great job at the Club. Personally I am grateful to be working with him.
When do you think Kaizer Chiefs is going to win the Champions League?
Sipho Mabaso
Thela Ngobeni: Mhmm, anytime...it is possible. We might win it if we qualify for it. I believe we stand a chance to win it but we have to win the league here at home first. It is our ambition to win the league next season.
Do you feel under pressure to emulate great goalkeepers like Banks Sethlodi, currently Itumeleng Khune who have made it big at the Club?
Mpho Phalatse
Thela Ngobeni: There is pressure but as a goalkeeper, as a footballer pressure will always be there. I just have to do my job. They did a very good job and I also want to see myself contributing something for the team.
I have had an opportunity to meet Bra Banks during my time at the Development...he trained us for few weeks and I enjoyed working with him. I am very close to Itumeleng (Khune). Itu is honest. He always helps me, encourages me. He always reminds me to look back where I come from...he has also done a lot to help me as a teammate and in life generally.
