Deadly finisher: Mkhonza did duty for Pirates and Amazayoni where he used to bang in those goals

By Masoja Cele

His dribbling skills mesmerised opposition defenders and goalkeepers. He was a real ‘’Ace’’ in the pack. Erstwhile, Witbank Black Aces striker Alfred ‘’Ace’’Mkhonza takes us down memory lane back to the golden days of South African football.

Unfortunately, the deadly finisher illustrious football career came at a very late age. He only played football in street challenges.

‘’ Yeah, I only started playing club football at the age of 18. Before that I only played in street football, at school not for a particular club. It was only when I was employed at Komati Power Station that I started playing club football. 

The Power Station had a team known as Komati All Blacks. At All Blacks I played alongside Ryan Sandleni who also went on to play for Aces. I became popular at the mine team banging in goals continuously. 

That’s when my football talent was noticed by other teams. Among those teams was the now defunct Witbank Pirates who came knocking at my door with a view of joining them’’ laments Mkhonza.

‘’ In 1963 I decided to join the Witbank Pirates team. Again, I gained more popularity at Pirates, banged in goals like my life squarely depended on the brand. But, while I was still enjoying my football at Pirates, Witbank Black Aces were sneaking. The late Amazayoni president Joseph Khumalo approached me and told me Aces were interested in my services. The fact that Aces was my hometown team  it easy for me to join. Joining Aces afforded me with an opportunity to trade my skills alongside stalwarts like Moses ‘’Slow’’ Masuku, Vivian ‘’Kaizer’’ Mnisi, Alex‘’Excellent’’Mabuza, Don ‘’SA’’ Mashabela to name a few’’.

‘’ My debut was a league match against the formidable Orlando Pirates side at the jam-packed Orlando Stadium- areal baptism of fire. Bucs paraded great talented legends the likes Kaizer ‘’Chincha-Guluva’’ Motaung, Percy’’ Chippa’’Moloi, Alfred ‘’Russia’’Jacobs, Allan’’ Chain-Puller’’Chiyi, Manny Davies, Sathiel ‘’Bomber-Mzion’’Chochoe, to mention a few. After we were locked 1-1 to0wards the end of the match, as a debutant I had to rise above the rest show my mettle. I scored Aces winning goal much to the delight of the Amazayoni supporters and players respectively’’.

‘’ I really enjoyed my football career at Aces. We played entertaining type of football. Top teams like Bucs, Kaizer Chiefs, Moroka Swallows, Pimville United Brothers, Pretoria Callies and the rest suffered some painful defeats when pitted against us, more especially at our home turf Lynville Stadium. Nevertheless, I was shattered when Amazayoni was relocated to KwaNdebele. Relocating the team to KwaMhlanga was like a death sentence. Even today, it’s still hurting’’.

‘’The highlight of my career was when I was selected to play in the colours of SA Black XI on numerous occasion. One particular match that is still etched in my mind was the match against Brazilian team Fluminense. The game was played in front of a capacity crowd at National Stadium in Lesotho.

Our team paraded the skills of the likes of Patson ‘’Kamuzu’’Banda, Ephraim ‘’Shakes’’Mashaba, James ‘’Akulalwa’’ Mabena, Patrick ‘’Ace’’ Ntsolongoe, Kaizer Motaung, Percy ‘’Chippa’’ Moloi, Lucas’’Masterpieces’’Moripe, Mthunzi ‘’Shadow’’Kota, Cedric ’’Sugar Ray’’ Xulu, Gerald’’Umgababa’’Dlamini, Moses ‘’Slow’’Masuku, Richard ‘’Richman’’Ngubane and Ephraim’’Jomo’’Sono. We lost the gruelling match 3-2 with Sono and Motaung being the recipients of our goals.

‘’Another cap in my football career came when I donned the colours of Kaizer XI before they became Kaizer Chiefs. The opportunity presents itself in 1969 when  Kaizer Motaung arrived back from his stint with Atlanta Chiefs in the USA. During the off season Motaung negotiated with Aces to lend him a few players as he was assembling an Invitation side. 

A deal that was agreed upon. Then myself, Masuku, Mashabela and Mabuza were allowed to play for the picking side. We played a few friendly matches at Kaizer XI, however our stay was short lived as the community of Emalahleni were so furious with the arrangement. They demanded that we should return home. And we had no option but to heed to the call ’’explained Mkhonza

In football circles you were known as Ace, who gave you the moniker and why?

‘’ When I joined Witbank Pirates I was scoring goals in almost every game. And the Pirates supporters told me I was the Ace of the team. That’s how the name stuck with me. And I am comfortable with the name.  

BACK FROM THE MOUNTAIN TOP

GBV AWARENES: Angela’s vision transcends personal achievements aiming to establish an annual drive for essentials like bras and sanitary pads

By Sports Reporter

The driving force behind Angela’s ascent is a compelling mission – to spotlight and combat the harrowing issue of gender-based violence (GBV). Angela’s daring expedition aims to channel funds towards an educational sanctuary that will empower and uplift young women who have faced the brunt of GBV.

“Angela declares, “We face a mountain to climb, one that symbolizes the path to women’s empowerment through education. This journey is the stepping stone to independence and self-reliance.”

Partnering with The Sherpa Legends, including the illustrious Mingma Chhiri Sherpa, who has conquered Everest six times and Manaslu thrice, Angela sought to leverage her climb’s impact and inspire change.

Impilo Collection Foundation has already demonstrated its prowess in addressing GBV through its #EmpowerHer campaign, a testament to its dedication. The campaign’s impactful display of 6,200 bras at Johannesburg’s Constitution Hill and subsequent distribution to GBV shelters during International Women’s Month 2022 has left a lasting impact.

Intriguingly, the collection of 8,848 bras – representing the height of Mount Everest – is a novel pursuit of social warriors who stand resolute against GBV.

Angela’s philanthropic accomplishments are noteworthy, with this marking her fourth fundraising climb. Her vision transcends personal achievements, aiming to establish an annual drive for essentials like bras and sanitary pads. Collaborating with fellow mountaineers, Angela endeavors to cast awareness amidst the clouds.

The ascent is scheduled from September 1st to October 5th, held in collaboration with esteemed international brands such as Cathay Pacific, GoPro, Sisley Paris, and Zara Wellness. A thrilling revelation is Angela’s plan to carry their logos and the South African flag to the summit of Manaslu, elevating them beyond the reach of ordinary planes.

Most notably, Angela’s determination and courage could lead to a historic achievement. Should Angela summit at the highest point on Manaslu, she will become the first woman from South Africa to achieve this feat. In recent times, many climbers have chosen to ascend only after the confirmation of the summit by the renowned Mingma G.

Angela’s unwavering dedication is evident, having invested 630 hours in rigorous training and traversed a staggering 540 kilometres in preparation for the climb. While Angela has already injected substantial funding, the centre’s construction necessitates further contributions.

Angela emphasizes, “Our quest for an anti-GBV education centre demands the collective efforts of supporters, followers, climbers, and allies. Together, we will make this vision a reality.”

Generous benefactors will be commemorated with a keepsake symbolizing the metaphorical mountains scaled together.