The Big Interview: Kingston Nkhatha

SOUTH AFRICA – Kingston Nkhatha took many people by surprise when he left Kaizer Chiefs for SuperSport United during the January transfer window.

The Zimbabwean enjoyed two-and-a-half successful years at Amakhosi, where he won every domestic competition apart from the Telkom Knockout.

However, he was a constant target of dissatisfied fans when things were not always going the way of Chiefs, particularly during his last year in Soweto.

It was a tough time for the 29-year-old and also lead to his former coach Stuart Baxter voicing his unhappiness at those that booed their own players.

Nkhatha, nonetheless, had little qualms with the club’s supporters, who he described as “the best he had come across” in his career so far.

PSL.co.za caught up with the former CAPS United, Black Leopards and Free State Stars forward to talk about his move. He has made an excellent start of the latest chapter in his career, scoring one goal and also enjoying a win over the club he left, Chiefs, in his two outings for Matsatsantsa.

PSL.co.za: Let us first ask you about your motivation for joining SuperSport United. What where the main reasons?

Kingston Nkhatha (KN): “It was all about a new challenge, a different environment. All I wanted to do was to continue playing at the top level and I saw SuperSport as giving me that opportunity, very similar to Chiefs. Both clubs are football playing ones. Chiefs like the passing game and so do SuperSport, so when I first heard of the offer it straight away interested me. I knew I could go there and play football the way I enjoy it.”

PSL.co.za: What will you miss most about Naturena?

KN: “There’s a lot of things I will miss. The technical staff, my team-mates, the people that work at the club and of course the fans.”

PSL.co.za: The fans! Seriously, even after the hard time they gave you?

KN: “Yes, of course I will miss them. You take the good with the bad and I will miss them, just like I’ll miss everyone else at the club. The supporters are the ones who come to the ground every week and they are an integral part of the Kaizer Chiefs set-up. They have a marvellous support base and from all the clubs I have played at, they are the best I had come across in my career so far.”

PSL.co.za: Is there a parting message you would like to share with them?

KN: “All I can say to them is to continue supporting the team and whoever wears the jersey, whether things are going well or not. In football, like in anything else, there are good days and bad days. They shouldn’t be negative, but instead lend their support.”

PSL.co.za: If you look back at the main reason the fans were on your back, it was probably because of you less than impressive conversion rate. I’m sure you want to improve that goal-scoring aspect of your game here at SuperSport?

KN: “Every striker wants to score goals. I mean if you don’t score goals, what are you a striker for. When I arrived here, we spoke about that with the club. They want to see me relaxed and not worry too much about the pressures of scoring. I’m just wishing I can add that extra cutting edge to my game and hope to start scoring for my new club.”

PSL.co.za: Finally, it has been a dream start or you in Pretoria. How have you enjoyed your first few weeks at SuperSport?

KN: “It’s been a smooth transition so far and I’ve settled in very well. Everyone at the club, from the technical staff to my new team-mates have been incredible. I’m just looking forward to get involved in the action now.” Premier Soccer League.co.za