Chiefs' philosophy was based on dribbling

In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Thomas Kwenaite, the legendary Zimbabwean reveals a fascinating secret that many would probably find unbelievable. He reveals that he used to play for Amakhosi on Saturday and then drive overnight to Zimbabwe to play for Saints on Sunday. He also explains why they called Kaizer Motaung “Chincha-Guluva.”

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Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Ebson “Sugar” Muguyo became the first player to score a hat-trick in the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates when he smashed three past Patson Banda in 1975. A fearsome striker with booming shots, Muguyo arrived in Johannesburg from Bulawayo at the recommendation of the late Ewert Nene. That same night, he was drafted into the Chiefs team where he played an instrumental role in their cup victory.

ESM: There was a gentleman named Silas Ndlovu who was coaching Highlanders F.C. He had established very close links with Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, which resulted in both teams having regular tours to Zimbabwe, then known as Rhodesia. And by the same token, Highlanders also travelled to South Africa with Dynamos to play friendly matches against the Soweto teams. I had moved from Mashonaland United, later renamed Saints. I had a successful season with Saints and Ndlovu recommended me to Chiefs through their flamboyant manager, the late Ewert Nene, who used to live in a township here in Bulawayo called Mpopoma in block 82.

TK: How did you adapt to your new environment in Johannesburg?

ESM: I arrived on 19 November 1975, and I did not have to undergo trials but was drafted straight into the starting team. I arrived on a Wednesday morning. That evening, I played against Pretoria Callies in a BP Top 16 Cup re-play match at Orlando Stadium and I provided an assist for Kaizer Motaung who scored the only goal of the match.

TK: How were Soweto derby matches against Orlando Pirates in those days?