Joseph ‘Banks’ Setlhodi might be 72-years-old, but the former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper is still walking tall and looking strong.
Setlhodi was one of the few players who started playing for Kaizer’s XI in late 1969, before going on to have a long and excellent career for Kaizer Chiefs after the club’s formation 50 years ago on 7 January 1970.
“Banks has Gold & Black blood running through his veins,” says former teammate Sylvester ‘City’ Kole. “He was there when Kaizer Chiefs was founded, and he has a great understanding of the club.”
Setlhodi is one of the best, if not the best, goalkeepers Amakhosi have had in their 50 years of existence.
The tall keeper played in numerous Soweto Derbies.
“A Derby is one of those things every soccer lover puts in his annual calendar,” Sethlodi enthuses. “Everyone looks forward to that match, because a Soweto Derby is more important than any other game.”
Banks had over the years a great rivalry with his opponent in the Pirates goal, Patson Banda. It’s also the reason Setlhodi took penalties in the Soweto, netting five over the years.
He even scored from the spot in three successive Derbies in 1972.
“Because of the big competition with Patson, I took the penalties in a Derby to show him who was the best,” reflects the former Chiefs goalkeeper with a smile on his face. “It was to say, ‘I am always one or two steps ahead of you’.”
About Saturday’s encounter against the Buccaneers, the former keeper comments: “Derbies can’t be predicted.”
Then, Setlhodi adds with a naughty smile: “Well, at least these days… We would usually win when I was still part of it, minding the posts, and especially in the days that Kaizer Motaung himself would play – he used the mesmerise Pirates’ defence.”
“I wish my team all the best in Saturday’s clash,” he concludes. “The players must put their recent disappointing results behind them, look forward and keep focused.”
SOURCED FROM KAIZER CHIEFS WEBSITE.
