Francis Chansa could end 15 year wait
Chansa could end 15 year wait
Posted: 2010-05-22 09:56
Today's Nedbank Cup Final that marks the official opening of the revamped Soccer City presents a golden opportunity for veteran Bidvest Wits goalkeeper Francis Chansa to win his first winners' medal in 15 years since he arrived in South Africa.
Chansa, born in the DR Congo, arrived in South Africa just out of his teenage years after playing in Zambia.
Now 35, but still as acrobatic as he was 10 years ago, Chansa still has something missing which could happen if they overcome the hurdle presented by AmaZulu this afternoon.
"This could as well be the best moment of my football career," says Chansa. "It is something very special for me that I get to play in the first match at the majestic venue which will host the opening and final of the World Cup.
"This is a day that I will never forget, especially knowing that almost the whole world will be watching this game. It is a great bonus to be playing in the Final.
"But more importantly for me is the prospect of collecting my first winners' medal if we beat AmaZulu. This will be the greatest day of my life since I came to South Africa. I remember playing at the old Soccer City while I was at Pirates, but this will be different.
"This is a stadium that is way better than most stadiums in Europe. A lot of people will be amazed at how beautiful Soccer City is," Chansa told KickOff.com yesterday with excitement written all over his face.
"Though I always treat every match that I play as being big, tomorrow will be different as it is the biggest. I will go in with the same approach that I have always had and hope that by the end of the match I have the winners' medal around my neck. I really want the medal badly," he says.
Although he will definitely be the oldest player on the field, Chansa doesn't read much into that and points to the experience that he has.
"For me when you get promoted to the first team you are not a youngster anymore as age doesn't count at the senior level, which is why it is no longer called an Under something age group.
At whatever age that I am and for as long as I am still playing I will be learning from all the players at the club. I am just as motivated as everyone else in the team and if I make any mistakes I stand to be corrected by anyone regardless of who and how old they are," says Chansa.
Matatiele United Brothers, Crystal Brains, Warriors, Durban Bush Bucks, Durban United, Royal Tigers, Golden Arrows, Orlando Pirates and Santos all stand as clubs that he has been with but this match for Wits today will remain in Chansa's mind for long a long time.
His stint at Pirates which came with Vodacom Challenge and the Telkom Charity Cup victories, were not significant as he does not view them as official competition, but he says the Nedbank Cup is The One.
: 2010-05-22 18:01
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