Actor Khumbulani 'Kay' Sibiya grew up in a home where the cups and plates were all decorated in the Kaizer Chiefs logo and colours and, despite the many challenges, his heart remains gold and black.
Soccer Laduma got to speak to the actor to talk about his love for Amakhosi and Doctor Khumalo.
Let's first start with how you started supporting Kaizer Chiefs. Talk to us about that...
Chiefs have always been with me. I can even say I started supporting Chiefs when I was two because my family were staunch Chiefs supporters. There was this player called (Nick) Bazooka Seshweni. When I was growing up at home, they had given me the nickname Bazooka. My family loved Chiefs. Another player I can remember, outside of Bazooka, is Bothende Eshele. He is my favourite goalkeeper of all time. I watched Chiefs growing up and I grew up around it. We used to have Kaizer Chiefs trays, like when merchandising was still merchandising. We used to have coffee mugs and plates of Kaizer Chiefs. It was everywhere around the house. Those are my earliest memories as a Chiefs supporter.
How does it make you feel that Chiefs have gone eight years without a trophy?
It's sad. Even if you don't want to watch the games at times, you are subjected to the news through social media and all of that. I don't know where Chiefs really lost it, but for me the secret is in the development. As a whole in South African football, our development is where we have lost it. We were the most dominant team in the country and I think if we go back to investing and producing quality players, Chiefs could bring back their glory days. You'd have guys like Jabu Pule (now Mahlangu) and back then it would be a collective of players. Now, there are only a few stand out players. So, maybe the problem is with development for Chiefs.
Is it hard to watch Mamelodi Sundowns dominating local football the way they do while you are a Chiefs supporter?
Let me tell you one thing and this is not an excuse. But a lot of things are about money. The way the players are incentivized gives them a certain passion to play. There are players who will say they want to play for Sundowns because of the monitory rewards. It gives you a push, I won't lie. So, yes, Sundowns have an amazing coach and team, but let's not forget the money. That incentive makes a big difference.
Who is your all-time favourite Chiefs player?
I'd say Doctor Khumalo. I grew up in at a time when our parents watched football in the 80s and they would share stories. They always used to say players like Ace (Ntsoelengoe) and Jomo (Sono) were the best. I think Doctor came after that era and he reminded them of guys like Ace and Jomo, in terms of his flair and style. So, it has to be him. He was a great player. The way he saw spaces and passed the ball, it was just too much. We loved his skill.
What are you hoping Chiefs can achieve this season?
We should finish in the top four. We are in a building phase because we've got a different coach and it might take time to gel and the formations and the right dynamics.
What about the knockout competitions?
It would be nice, but ultimately we should be working our way to win the DStv Premiership. Let's see how it goes. I am just being realistic.
