Isaac Kungwane
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Isaac Ramaitsane Kungwane | ||
| Date of birth | 2 February 1971 | ||
| Place of birth | Alexandra, South Africa | ||
| Date of death | 28 May 2014 (aged 43) | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1987–1990 | Jomo Cosmos | ||
| 1989 | Milan FC (loan) | ||
| 1990–1998 | Kaizer Chiefs | ||
| 1993 | Pretoria City (loan) | ||
| 1999–2001 | Manning Rangers | ||
| 2001–2002 | Alexandra United | ||
| 2002–2003 | Uthukela | ||
| International career | |||
| 1996 | South Africa | 2 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Isaac Ramaitsane "Shakes" Kungwane (2 February 1971 – 28 May 2014) was a South African football midfielder who played for Kaizer Chiefs, Jomo Cosmos, Pretoria City and Manning Rangers.[1] During his spell at Kaizer Chiefs he wore the number 11 jersey after Nelson Dladla.
Club career
Kungwane was a staunch Orlando Pirates, started out professionally at Jomo Cosmos often being overshadowed by Thomas Madigage and August Makalakalane. He left after a loan spell to Milan FC and joined Chiefs where Nelson Dladla gave him the number 11. Kungwane snubbed a offer a few years earlier when Mamelodi Sundowns' Zola Mahobe failed to lure him with a briefcase of money.[1] Kungwane's career was almost cut short by a crunching tackle by a robust Sam Kambule in the Charity Spectacular in 1992. When he was nursing his injury he developed weight problems which plagued him until the rest of his career. After a loan spell to Pretoria City he regained his form. He came back to Chiefs and scored spectacular goals and he eventually played his international debut in 1996. He left Chiefs in 1998 after a lack of game time. In 1999, Gordon Igesund contacted him a asked if he could "save" his career. Kungwane moved to Durban for R150 000. He described the move as "his last chance" to revive his career.[2]
Goals
Kungwane claimed that throughout his career he scored less than six goals in a Sowetan interview.[1] He scored a goal against Michau Warriors' Calvin Marlin from the centre line and a curved shot from a direct corner kick against Dinonyana which earned him a national call up in 1996[1]
International career
He made his international debut on 18 September 1996 in a 2-0 win over Australia coming in as a sub for David Nyathi in the 63rd minute in the Four Nations Cup. He played his last international only 3 days later in a 0-0 against Ghana as a substitute for Thomas Madigage in the 75th minute.[3]
Style of play
Paul Dolezar always made comments about his wizardry, accurate and tricky passing.[1] At times he would ask where his the ball because he would pass facing the opposite way but would get into trouble with other coaches.[1]
Weight problems
During 1992 when he was nursing his knee injury, Kungwane had developed weight problems. His diet consisted of pap, meat and burgers which made him hate hard training.[1]
Personal life
Kungwane married Precious in 1990. They had three children.[1]
Death
Kungwane died on 28 May 2014 after being in ICU for 2 days.[4]
Retirement
Kungwane retired in 2002 and played semi-professional football in 2003 after being troubled by injuries at the age of 32.[1]
He was a football analyst at SuperSport.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Nchabeleng, Mcelwa (2013-06-27). "Legend's Corner: Shakes a pass master". Sowetan Live. Times Media Group. Retrieved 2013-11-01.
{{cite news}}:|section=ignored (help) - ^ http://www.reocities.com/PicketFence/2426/players/shakes.html
- ^ "South Africa - International Matches 1996-2000". Rsssf.com. Retrieved 2013-11-15.
- ^ http://www.sundayworld.co.za/news/2014/05/28/soccer-legend-shakes-kungwane-has-died
External links
- Kungwane.html Isaac Kungwane at National-Football-Teams.com
