Khanye recalls heated Kaizer Chiefs dressing-room confrontation

Junior Khanye has revealed how a disagreement between Ace Khuse and Fabian McCarthy nearly turned into a full-scale fight in the Kaizer Chiefs dressing room.

The former South African international, now a respected football analyst, discussed his time with the club in the latest edition of Locker Room Secrets. The 41-year-old is regarded as one of the few former players willing to offer honest opinions without worrying about pleasing his old clubs.

Khanye said he and Cyril “Skhokho” Nzama were the team’s main jokers. During a long trip to Bloemfontein, Nzama repeatedly teased him by saying: “Hey wena, umubi too much” (“you are too ugly”). Khanye admitted he had provoked Nzama first but became increasingly angry as the joke continued throughout the journey.

Nzama, according to Khanye, would also have been the natural leader if that Kaizer Chiefs side had become stranded on a deserted island. Sibusiso Dlamini, however, would not have survived the first night because he was easily frightened. “Hhayi bekuyi gwala kakhulu u Spoko,” Khanye said.

He identified Dlamini, known as Spoko, as the squad member with the most unusual taste in music. Dlamini became close to Nzama after joining Kaizer Chiefs and listened to music Khanye said could not be classified as Kwaito, house, maskandi or music from Eswatini.

Khanye also recalled an unnamed team-mate’s unusual pre-match routine during the Castle Premiership era. Players warmed up at 14h00, returned to the tunnel and were expected back on the pitch at 14h55. Yet, before a cup match, the player suddenly went to the toilet at 15h55 and told his team-mates he was “pressed”. The squad had to wait for him.

The closest the dressing room came to a serious confrontation came when Khuse, then working as a third assistant coach, blamed McCarthy for an opponent’s goal.

“Hey ndoda, the opponent is scoring because of you here,” Khuse told him. McCarthy denied responsibility and blamed another player, but Khuse replied: “It’s you, man!” Khanye said the exchange became personal.

Losses were particularly difficult for the team because they belonged to the “Operation Vat Alles” generation and were expected to compete for every trophy. “Accepting defeat was not an option,” he said, adding that the mood became “very, very down” after a loss.

Khanye also remembered the late Ted Dumitru warning players that continued defeats could cost them their places. “The club will release you because they can buy anyone they want,” Dumitru told them. “Once you leave through that gate, your lives will never be the same again.”

Shoes Moshoeu, Thabo “Tsiki-Tsiki” Mooki and Kaizer Motaung Jr were among the most meticulous players. Moshoeu wore a swimming cap over his hair at training, while Motaung Jr used sunscreen in hot weather.

Khanye said no Kaizer Chiefs player was untidy because cleanliness was expected. Bobsteak would remind them: “Gents, kumele kugeziwe, you need to be clean. You are playing for a neat team; we are not called Glamour Boys for nothing.” He added that the Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena had showers and changerooms more beautiful and better equipped than those at some stadiums in the country.