Waiting for my turn: Mzimela October 13, 2009 Having had a few stints at various clubs early in his career including being part of Kaizer Chiefs’ Development side at a young age; Mbongeni ‘Kati’ Mzimela chats to amazulufc.net about his chances this season.

“I got the name Kati at a young age playing for a team called Ocean Blues. They used to say I dived like a cat. It has stayed on ever since,” said the third born of three brothers and four girls.

He was encouraged to play football by his older sister who bought him boots to go playing in the local fields of Esikhawini, Empangeni.

“Kati is still an understudy, but has improved a lot. He’s the type of player that always wants to know about his improvement.

“I’ve been impressed by his consistency. If he were to take over the number one jersey from anyone it would be because he has pushed himself and worked hard,” said Goalkeeper Trainer Graham Johnson.

“This season I want to get back to playing regularly. For someone who has not featured a lot this season and last season I’d say I don’t have any record to speak of. So I should be judged when I get my chance. Things will change and my chance will come,” says the 24-year-old player.

Over the years 'Kati' has managed to gather enough experience from training with big name goalkeepers like Emile Baron, Thlali Mothibe and Itumeleng Khune.

“I thought it was best to try my luck elsewhere because Chiefs had lot of goal keepers on their books, he says of his two month spell at Naturena.

Before Mzimela went to Chiefs he had a short stay with Maritzburg City.

“I was with Dumisani Ngwenya at Maritzburg City and even though it was for a short period I had fun there. Redgie Shelembe was coaching and he is the one who invited me for trials at AmaZulu”

AmaZulu have about four players who hail from Empangeni - Thami Sangweni, Jomo Gumede and Sandile Gumede are from the same area.

“I once went against Sandile. My school was playing theirs and he was playing as a sweeper that time. He took a penalty and I saved it, by then we didn’t know each other”, said Mzimela.

Off the field

“I like to play chill around with friends when we’re not doing anything with the team. I like to drive in my Golf 1. My last car was stolen last season when I was visiting for my friend Blessing Makhathini who plays at Free State Stars.”

The two most important things in his life right he says are his family and his career.

“My baby boy Nkanyezi is about 3 weeks old now and having him has changed my outlook on life.”

Former Clubs

“I have played for Young Tigers at amateur level, BE Celtics and Bright Stars.”, said Kati. He went for trials at Moroka Swallows and Supersport and was training with Mvela side FC AK before joining Usuthu.


* Kati was speaking to Nhlanhla Brilliant Mkhathini