We are resilient, we are fighters

Jody Ah Shene grew up in a violent and drug-infested area of Ocean View in Cape Town and watched in horror as his father fell victim to the violence around him when he was nine years old.

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He admits he almost fell victim to the internecine violence himself. But he found solace and redemption in football, which helped him fight his way out of the ghetto as the saying goes. Today, the striker is carving a path for himself as a bright young prospect who has already represented his country at U20 level and won the COSAFA Cup. In this interview with Soccer Laduma’s Thomas Kwenaite, the Cape Town City prodigy admits that he almost went off the rails himself, but football offered him hope. He also reveals what former coach Eric Tinkler told him when he was promoted from the Diski Challenge.

Thomas Kwenaite: Jody, congratulations on the AFCON U20 achievement! At club level, you worked with Muhsin Ertugral after he was appointed as the Cape Town City coach earlier this year. How did you and the rest of the team react to his sacking?

Jody Ah Shene: Thank you so much. Yes, it was so sudden, unexpected, and very sad because I've learned so much from Muhsin on a tactical level and the way he speaks during sessions. It was difficult seeing him go after such a short period with us. I am mindful that these things happen in football; however, it wasn't easy to deal with.

TK: What has working under the new leadership with interim coach, Diogo Peral in charge, been like so far?

JAH: Obviously, change has never been easy. But it has been good so far. The training sessions have been great and the guys are determined to work hard as professionals, we have come to accept that life goes on and we must embrace the new order.

TK: How did you adapt to moving from the lower division with Ubuntu to the Betway Premiership?