Michael
Morton Impressed With Igesund’s Instant Impact
Since Gordon Igesund
took over at SuperSport United last year, hard-man Michael Morton has praised
him for making an instant impact and improving the team. In his interview he
also talks about the players he rates highly in the PSL.
Personal Information
Full names: Michael Morton
Date of Birth: 7 March 1989
Place of Birth: Johannesburg
Nickname: Vacuum Cleaner/One-Love
Jersey no: 18
Position: Holding Midfielder
Club: SuperSport United
Previous Clubs: Randburg (amateur), Bidvest Wits, Orlando Pirates
Honours: 2008/09 Telkom knockout with Pirates, Nedbank cup with Wits.
Hi Michael, how have
things been going at SuperSport United?
Since Gordon Igesund took over, we’ve won the Telkom Knockout
Cup, so things are going really well for us. In the beginning we were not
gelling, we would do well in one match and lose the next but now we are more
consistent and looking more dangerous.
You started your career with the Pirates youth setup, but left the
club before you were able to make an impact on the first team. While you went
on to make a success of your career, this is not always the case with all
promising youngsters. What would your advice be to young players trying to make
the breakthrough?
In my case I had the chance to sign for the Pirates first
team, but chose instead to move to [Bidvest] Wits. I couldn’t see myself
sitting in the grandstand, patience is not one of my attributes, and I knew I
needed to be playing.
What was your
thinking behind making the move up to Pretoria and signing for SuperSport?
The main aim of course was to join a side which I felt could
challenge for honours. SuperSport have a good heritage, and have been very
successful in terms of winning trophies over the last five to 10 years. They
have the pedigree, and I would love to be able to contribute to future
successes at the club. It’s also great to be back home close to my family and
friends.
What can you tell us
about Igesund?
He is a very good coach. The day he walked into the job, the
respect from the players was immediate. Due to what he has achieved he gets
respected, and when he tells you what to do it’s definitely for the good of the
team. He also looks after his players.
How is United different
to other clubs you have played for?
The professionalism is definitely on another level. The
backroom staff and management are professional and always looking after player’s
interest. Footballers need to worry about football and the fact that we have
other things like nutrition taken care of makes such a difference.
What do you aim to
achieve this second round of the season?
When I first arrived I wanted to play regular football and
so far that has worked out well. But obviously I can’t rest on my laurels, I
need to work hard and maintain focus to keep my place in the team. I am happy
to have already reached a cup final in my first season.
From experience, who
are the hardest tacklers and your most difficult opponent in the PSL?
The two I rate highly as proper `hardmen` are Hlompho Kekana
and Letladi Madubanya. I like going up against them because it’s always a hard
but fair battle. But the guy I relish playing against is Kekana from Mamelodi
Sundowns. He is a hard man and I find it challenging and rewarding playing
against him. I rate him highly, he is extremely powerful, strong on the ball
and has a big engine. He packs a powerful shot and is one of the best
midfielders in the PSL.
Okay, who would win a
tackling competition between you and Willard Katsande?
He plays just in front of his back four and I do the same so
we don’t really come close enough to each other to see but of course I would
back myself.
preferred position?
I’m glad you asked that question, I’m a central midfielder
and I only played as a right-back at Pirates under Coach Ruud Krol. When Krol
arrived I was a youngster and he asked me to play right-back because he didn’t
know which position I played. And I was not a right back. I went to the match,
played and did my best, and from then people thought I was a defender. But I
have been a midfielder all my life.
What is the most
daring thing you have ever done in your life?
That is a tough one… I once got into an enclosure with a
nine-month old tiger at the Rhino and Lion Nature reserve in Johannesburg.
What do you intend to
do when you retire?
I would like to remain in football in some form, be it as a
coach or getting involved in management. If not, I studied for a Bcom at Unisa.
It is something to fall back on when my career is finished.
Lastly, your
favourite hang-out after matches?
I like going out for a dinner to different restaurants
around Pretoria with my wife Lizelle. As footballers we are always travelling
so when I get time off, I go out with my wife and normally order a burger.
That’s my favourite meal.
Michael, thank you
very much for your time, enjoy the rest of the remaining season.
Thanks man