Hard tackling and no nonsense right back, Tshifhiwa Mmbooi impressed when he was given a chance by Coach, Vladimir Vermezovic last season…he has found it hard to break in the team this season. In this interview with kaizerchiefs.com, ‘Mirror’ as the player is affectionately known talks about living a dream and his ambitions at Amakhosi.

Why do you like to do ‘show me your number’ and what are you doing to make sure that you are not lost in football like other young former players?

Ignatius Nkosi

Tshifhiwa Mmbooi: (Smiling) I do it to open the way for me to attack and at times I want to switch play and the opponent is pressing. I used to enjoy watching former Bafana Bafana defender, Edward Motale doing the show me your number to the strikers.

I am very focused in my football and after training at the Village I always go straight to my house to relax or watch DVD’s on my past games and any football matches. I am here to work and I am focused on just that!

Can you briefly explain your name to me cause it sounds tricky. We sometimes do a tournament at home in Mphakati, Malamulele can we invite you?

Angie Motlhaping

Tshifhiwa Mmbooi: My other name is Milton. I prefer to be called Tshifhiwa though a name given by my father (Elliot), which means ‘gift’.

I will be available to attend your tournament. Make sure you contact the Club and give me the details about the event. If I am not playing a game or training and I am free I will definitely try and attend your event.

PLEASE understand the my work at Kaizer Chiefs is my first priority.

What are you doing for the community in Limpopo?

Vutisani Masango

Tshifhiwa Mmbooi: I have only been here for a season so it was important for me to settle in first. It has always been my wish to do something back at home as I also grew up playing in the tournaments that were being organized there.

I remember my brother Chief Nkhaneni used to organize a tournament back home and I played for a team called Khakhnwa United Stars. It was fun. I am definitely going to do that in the near future. It is important to organize such events to keep the youngsters focused.

Where were you born in Venda and who is your role model?

Tshifhiwa Mmbooi: I was born in Khakhanwa Village and my role model is Lucas Radebe.

Did you played for Marivheni FC before in Venda?

Rueben Mohale

Tshifhiwa Mmbooi: It was not in Venda but in Tzaneen. One of the managers at Dynamos had a team, Marivheni FC and because I was not playing in my first season (2007/2008) he would take me along to help out there.

How are you dealing with the issue of fighting for a position with two good contenders and are there any positions that you can play in the team?

Godlip Sitholimela

Tshifhiwa Mmbooi: I am working hard at training for the coach to give me a chance like last season. I get along with both Jimmy (Tau) and Tlou (Molekwane).

We encourage each other. What is between us is competition not war! I can also play as a centre back and as a left back.

What are you strengths as a defender and what do you want to achieve as an individual at the Club?

Tshifhiwa Mmbooi: I have a very good aerobic capacity and I am able to time my tackles very well. I continue to work hard in polishing these areas including my weaknesses. I plan to help contribute in bringing more success to the team.

Who was your favourite childhood team?

Thabelo Phungo

Tshifhiwa Mmbooi: Kaizer Chiefs! I have always been a die-hard fan since I was 8. I liked Lucas Radebe and Neil Tovey who both went on to captain Bafana Bafana.

You are coming on well, hold on to your dreams, you’ve got a bright future…

Ferdinand Makgasane

Tshifhiwa Mmbooi: Thank you for your words of encouragement. I will keep on working hard at training to prove my worth in this team.

I am getting a lot of encouragement from my teammates especially guys like David (Mathebula), Kaizer Motaung JR and Gerald Sibeko.

They always tell me to be patient and not loose focus. The guys have been here for a while and are senior players who also went through the same experience.

What happened to your loan move to Maritzburg United?

Siyabulela Tongo

Tshifhiwa Mmbooi: I never heard anything about that. Like I said before I am focused on fighting for my place in the team - nothing else. I think I still have a future with the Club.

How is life treating you at Chiefs Village?

Julius Ranwedzi

Tshifhiwa Mmbooi: It feels just like home! I grew up supporting this Club and it was my dream to don the famous gold and black.

Who is your favourite player in the Club and PSL as the whole?

Moses Makwakwa

Tshifhiwa Mmbooi: He is called the ‘Smiling Assassin’; Knowledge Musona is my favourite player both here at Chiefs and in the PSL as a whole.