Ahead of a crucial week for Polokwane City, Soccer Betting News’ Jesse Nagel spoke to Media Officer, Vusi Ntimane, about life behind the scenes at Rise And Shine, as well as his switch from SAFPU (South African Football Players Union), scouting players, the death of Mogau Tshehla and what’s been the problem for City.
Jesse Nagel: Good day Vusi, thank you for taking the time out to chat with us ahead of such a big week. Firstly, what’s it been like in your first season as Media Officer for a club in the PSL?
Vusi Ntimane: What an experience; it’s a big responsibility. I think my past involvement in football from administration side is helping. One thing for sure is that you have to deal with all Media houses which is not an easy task. Just imagine in your first season you get a funeral of a player. Damn, in that week it was test of time. But I think I have adopted well and learning every day, with people like Thulani [Sundowns Media Officer] and Thandi [Orlando Pirates Media Officer] always on my speed-dial for assistance.
JN: It must have been really tough to deal with the sudden death of Mogau Tshehla, and to my understanding, you work quite closely with the players in comparison to other Media officers at other clubs. Do you scout players for Polokwane City as well?
VN: The death of Mogau Tshehla was a difficult one. Remember, I was the spokesperson for the family also. So, I was the link between the family and the team. Making sure everything went well with the family’s wishes. I think the support from football family gave us strength. The bond with players started long ago when I was with Alex United and later went to SAFPU. I always have players interest at heart. My best friend is Tebogo Monyai, people think we are twins, and he is always around players so that creates a special bond. I do recommend players, that’s in my nature; example; Innocent Nemukondeni (former Tuks; Ajax and currently at Bloem Celtic); Reanetse Ramatlhapeng [Orlando Pirates MDC] – this one is for the future; and Justice Chabalala [Pirates] to mention a few.
JN: So, having experienced the life of being a Media Officer in South Africa’s top flight, could you see yourself continuing in this field in the years to come? Or is there a new path ahead for Vusi Ntimane?
VN: I am loving my job as Media Officer and would love to grow in the industry together with the Polokwane City brand. With the trust given to me by the Chairman, I get to play other roles in the team; and I am loving it here. Thanks to our Chairman, Johnny Mogaladi, for trusting in me with these huge responsibilities.
JN: I see…
VN: If you can look, I might be the only other Media Officer travelling with the team besides clubs like Kaizer Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns, as I end up acting as a Team Manager that shows huge responsibility given to me.
JN: So, with Polokwane City, there seems to be that lack of consistency. Last season, the club finished in sixth spot, now there is talk of relegation. Even further, City are the only club to beat Sundowns both home and away but are also the only team to lose to Platinum Stars, home and away. What’s gone wrong for them this season?
VN: I think we were unlucky looking at the way we play and lapse of concentration in the last five minutes of the game. About nine games we led until the last five minutes. It’s just an unlucky phase. Look, the whole 2017/18 season was just a mad league for all. About beating Sundowns, it’s like we just have the recipe because we are brothers. On a serious note, most teams that play football like Sundowns are easy to beat as we also play football. Teams like Platinum Stars defend the whole game and get one chance and score. That’s not football. Our game against Sundowns, Pirates, Maritzburg and Golden Arrows are marvel to watch because they play football. We get to find it difficult against defensive-minded teams. But with experience, our coach, Bernard Molekwa, will be able to deal with that and plan better for those kind in the future.
JN: So this weekend is the decider, can we see a Polokwane City victory?
VN: Looking at the mood in the camp, Polokwane City will win against Chippa. If we convert our chances in the first half, we might close the season with our biggest or highest scoreline.
JN: Haha, thank you so much for your time bra Vusi. All the best and hope to chat soon, with City still in the league of course.
VN: What I can promise you is that we won’t be beaten by Chippa.
