WeeklySA_AdminWORKAHOLIC:Star shone brightest during Mainstay Cup semi final ’80 against Chiefs
By Masoja Cele
Legendary midfield anchor Finky ‘’Mathousand’’Sekete formed the spinal column of the revered Moroka Swallows Limited in the late 70’s and early 80’s. At a young age, midfield grafter was drafted into the Birds team that was buzzing with talent.
‘’Most definitely, Swallows had great players on my arrival. Players who starred at the team then were of high quality. They boasted the likes of Andries ‘’Panyaza’’ Maseko, Daniel ‘’ Vader’’ Mophosho, Joel ‘’Ace’’ Mnini, Frederick ‘’Congo’’Malebane. The late Percy ‘’Chippa’’
Moloi convinced me to join the Dube Birds. Fortunately, the presence of the midfield dynamo, the late ‘’Vader’’Mophosho played a role for me to settle with the beautiful Birds. The talented Mophosho was a senior player when we played at Moroka Lions FC in Alexandra. Remember, ‘’Izinyoni-Ezibomvu’’ were part of the Soweto Big Three alongside Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs’’, says Sekete.
Sekete still recall the encouragement he received from one of the top Alexandra football administrator. The popular El Supremo stimulated the former midfielder in his game.
‘’Actually, the current Pirates chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza inspired me to take football more serious. Khoza was senior Alexandra football officer. He was a student and the youngest football executive. Dr. Khoza would even supply me with soccer boots. Patently, he played an important role in my football career’’ swanked Sekete. The defensive midfielder is the veteran of many of Swallows intriguing football scuffles, but classified the 1980 Mainstay Cup semi-final as a treasure.
‘’The final before the final. Swallows emerged from the oblivion to reach the semi-final of the Mainstay Cup semi-final on an unforgettable afternoon at Orlando Stadium. It was the semi-finaI fixture against cross town rivals Kaizer Chiefs. I will cherish the game for the rest of my life. Soccer fanatics flocked into Orlando Stadium as early as 10:00 am. It was thrill a minute affair with AmaKhosi trailing for the better part of the contest. And the energy sapping game ended at 5-5 much to the delight of both sets of fans. The match would be later dubbed the ‘’The Way of Life’’ and a film was produced to that effect’’ says Sekete.
The midfield-workaholic would further explain how they plot the downfall of the Phefeni Glamour boys in the replay of the competition. We approached the replay match with different tactics and zest. There was this notion that you’d never beat in a replay, but we proved football masses wrong by beating Chiefs 2-1 with Frederick ‘’Congo’’Malebane and the late Jeffrey ‘’Tornado’’Ntsibande banging in the goals. I was thrilled after the final whistle because I managed to keep the tricky Chiefs midfield maestro Patrick ‘’Ace’’Ntsoelongoe out of the game. It was not easy to play against the maestro’’.
‘’He was a genius. The midfield colossus would go the opposite direction when AmaKhosi attacked. And when you follow him he would create space for his teammates. The next moment Ntsoelongoe in your half and you will be lost in Chiefs half. He would talk to you for the better part of the proceedings, just to make you lose your focus. He was such a brilliant player. We need more like him in our football today’’. added Sekete.
After flying high with the Beautiful Birds Sekete moved on to join Durban Bush Bucks.
‘’The late former Bush Bucks manger Larwence ‘’Big Bear’’ Ngubane approached me with a view to join Bucks. He made me a good tempting offer that led me to pack my bags and moved to Durban. I had great time at Bucks where I blended well with the stylish Mlungisi ‘’Professor ‘’ Ngubane , Vusi Silango, Bennett Gondwe to mention the three. Professor Ngubane was the captain of the team and led by example. He acted as a link between the players and management’’ reveals Sekete.
The golden generations of the 70’s and 80’s were christened with meaningful moniker that suits the style of individual players.
‘’Definitely, my generation were given such exciting nicknames that were identical with your style of play. Unfortunately my nickname was derived from my surname Sekete which means ‘thousand’ in English’’ concludes Sekete.
