In this edition of Where Are They Now, KickOff sits down for a rare interview opportunity with former Ria Stars goalkeeper Abram Khwenenyane.
Khwenenyane is one of the most well-known goalkeepers in South African football, having played for once respected but sadly now-defunct clubs such as Vaal Professional, Moroka Swallows, and Ria Stars.
Give a little background about yourself.
"I'm from the North West province. I left home for a trial at Qwa-Qwa Stars, but because of school commitments, they couldn't sign me. I was learning Setswana here, while they were using Sesotho there in the Free State.
"Fortunately, a guy named Bigboy Matlapeng organized a move to Swallows for me, and that’s where I passed my trial. That’s when my football career truly began."
Are you satisfied with the way your career turned out?
"No, not at all. I didn’t achieve what I aimed for. I really wish I had the opportunity to play overseas."
At which club did you enjoy your football the most?
"At Ria Stars. I played there until the club was sold. I was their captain, and that role helped me rediscover my form. I even ended up playing for the national team, Bafana Bafana. That was the biggest highlight of my football career."
What led to your retirement then?
"My knee injury. I broke my knee while playing for Maritzburg United. After that, I moved to Dynamos, but my knee wouldn’t allow me to continue my football career. By 2005, I realised that forcing things wouldn’t help."
Did you earn good money ?
"The salary was better at Manning Rangers. However, money wasn’t abundant during those days. The highest I earned was R15 000 at Rangers."
How was life after calling it quits?
"It was tough. After retiring, I took some coaching courses, hoping it would help me provide for my family, but the struggle continued. I had a hard time, especially as the breadwinner, because everyone was depending on me.
"It was difficult, and eventually, my wife left me. Apparently, the situation became too overwhelming for her. We divorced, and we have three children. I’m currently back home in the North West."
What is your current job?
"I'm doing piece jobs with the municipality, where we are replacing electricity meter boxes."
If you could do it all again, what would you change?
"I would do everything in my power to play for either Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs. In South Africa, you are not recognised if you haven't played for one of those two clubs. You might not even get hired as a soccer commentator."
Photo Credit: Lee Warren / Gallo Images