With Kaizer Chiefs Football Club turning 41 on Friday 07 January 2011 (having been formed on this day back in 1970) it becomes important to sit down with one of the legends who made a contribution in the development of what has become a massive sporting brand.

It was back in 1972 when Chiefs went to play a series of friendly games in Durban when they came across a young, fast and devastating player known as “Shaka”.

“I was on fire that day scoring 6 goals against Kaizer Chiefs,” recalled the legendary winger speaking to kaizerchiefs.com on Thursday afternoon.

The late, Ewert Nene who had an eye for talent was fast in recruiting the player to come and join Kaizer Chiefs that had already taken South African football by storm.

On Mzansi Legend in December last year, the Executive Chairman and then teammate, Kaizer “Chincha Guluva” Motaung paid a glowing tribute to Shaka Ngcobo describing him as a “gifted footballer”.

He took time to speak to kaizerchiefs.com about what has made the Club an iconic brand and names his ‘all time Chiefs XI’.

Kaizerchiefs.com: Kaizer Chiefs turns 41 on Friday, 07 January 2011...

Shaka Ngcobo: I am privileged to have been part of such a big Club. The leadership that started the team knew from day one what they wanted to achieve.

They had vision, they were dedicated and left no stones unturned.

I want to take this opportunity and wish the Club a Happy Birthday and all the best for the future. There is no doubt that more is still to come from Kaizer Chiefs.

Kaizerchiefs.com: What in your opinion makes Chiefs stands out from other sporting brands...

Shaka Ngcobo: The culture of winning! Winning at Chiefs was not only confined on the field but on the stands, administration...this in my opinion is what differentiates Chiefs from any other Club in the country today.

Kaizerchiefs.com: You donned the Kaizer Chiefs jersey for 13 years and got to play with about four generation of players at Chiefs...

Shaka Ngcobo: (taking a pause) I only have fond memories of my career at Chiefs. I played with so many great players. It was a family. It was like, ‘an injury to one is an injury to all’. We were all very close as players.

We understood each other weaknesses on the field and we would cover for each other. For instance, Pele (Blaschke) was not one of the most skilful players in the team but had pace. He would struggle with clever players at times and he would call me to come and ‘sort the guy out’ for him. I was good in dribbling and my teammates understood my strengths.

It is very important for the players to know each other’s strength and weaknesses and that what worked for us during our time.

Kaizerchiefs.com: What are some of your fondest memories at Chiefs?

Shaka Ngcobo: I will always remember the late Ewert Nene for the way he used to motivate the players. He is the one who gave me the name,

“Valdez”. He not only a motivator but was very creative and knew what to say to the players. He would tell us that, “we are the best in the world”. This really motivated us.

I would like to pay tribute to all the guys who were at the helm when this idea of forming the Club started and of course to those who are currently starring the ship under the leadership of Kaizer Motaung.

Kaizerchiefs.com: Which one game you will never forget during your time with Amakhosi?

Shaka Ngcobo: We played against Hellenic in a Chevrolet Cup back in 1975. I was on fire when we took on Hellenic in Johannesburg after losing 4-0 against them in the first leg. We beat them 2-1 in Joburg. I scored and created the other for Kaizer (Motaung).

What makes this game stand out is that we had to change gears as we were facing a white side...in those days it was rare to face a white side. On that afternoon I turned the guys from Hellenic inside out...on that day I think I played my best football.

Kiazerchiefs.com: You also had an opportunity to ply your trade overseas?

Shaka Ngcobo: (Cutting in) Yeah I played in both North and South America. America was an eye opener for me. It was for the first time for instance to be exposed to two people training the team. We had a Trainer and a Coach taking care of the tactics. We also trained twice a day. It was such an experience.

(Kaizerchiefs.com note: Shaka played for both Denver Dynamos and Minnesota Kicks in North America. He played for Penarol in South America)

Kaizerchiefs.com: Quick one-two’s...Who was your best mate at Chiefs?

Shaka Ngcobo: The late Ace Ntsuelengue.

Kaizerchiefs.com: Who was the best dancer in the team?

Shaka Ngcobo: Jackie Masike.

Kaizerchiefs.com: If you would go to war which one of your teammates you would take with?

Shaka Ngcobo: Jackie Masike.

Kaizerchiefs.com: Who did ‘not like trouble’?

Shaka Ngcobo: The late Jonnie Magwegwe (Laughs).

Kaizerchiefs.com: Who was the Ladies Man?

Shaka Ngcobo: (Laughs) Mhmm that is a tough one.

Kaizerchiefs.com: Who led the team with prayer?

Shaka Ngcobo: No doubt, Computer Lamola.

Kaizerchiefs.com: You retired in 1985...

Shaka Ngcobo: After playing for more than 13 years at a highest level my knee started to give me problems. I also became slower and in 1985 I was moved to the left back and at the end of the season I decided to call it quits.

Give us your all time Kaizer Chiefs XI.....

Shaka Ngcobo: (Jumping in) Banks Sethlodi in poles, Ryder Mofokeng right back, Gerald Umgababa Dlamini left back, I would have Ten Ten Ndzimande and Jackie “Asinamali” Masike in the heart of defence. In the midfield, the late Ariel Professor Kongoane picks himself in the heart of midfield and would captain the team, while the late Ace Ntsuelengue and Vusi “Computer Lamola will join Pro in the middle.

On the right I would have Pele Blaschke and I would be on the left. Up front I would have the Monkey Jive himself, Michael Bizzah Dlamini. Mario Tuani would coach this side and I am sure this is one side that would match Barcelona (Laughs)

You are still a big football fan...

Shaka Ngcobo: I watch football all the time and my current favourite player is without a doubt, Knowledge Musona! What a player! Musona is the answer to what we do not have in the Bafana Bafana squad but he was born in another country. I have seen few players who make scoring so easy like him. I can say without contradiction that he is going to be a legend at Chiefs.

As for Bafana Bafana, I am not sure if we are on the right track...time will tell. Things started going wrong back in 1996 and now we are struggling. It is unfortunate that countries that have meagre resources as compared to us seem to get their structures right. SAFA needs to give this an attention going forward.

Kaizerchiefs.com: Chiefs come up against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday in a top of the table clash...

Shaka Ngcobo: It is a massive game and I am sure we are going to win it! The current generation of Chiefs players does not seem to have problems playing against top sides.

I still watch Chiefs and I am a big fan...if they can be ruthless in the last attacking third they will be a force to be reckon with but now they are at times slow when they attack. When you build up you can be slow but when you reach the attacking third you need to up your pace like they did against Pirates in the league forcing an on goal. Good luck to the boys!