Loathed by some European coaches but a darling to many fans, the former Kaizer Chiefs and Thanda Royal Zulu midfielder Emmanuel “Scara” Ngobese was among the breed of players who epitomised a unique South African football style.
The nimble-footed dribbling wizard succumbed to a long battle with TB on Tuesday, aged 29.
He was an integral part of Ted Dumitru’s Chiefs side that won back-to-back PSL league titles in the 2003/4 and 2004/5 seasons.
Ngobese, who died from tubercolosis, will be remembered for scoring the winning goal against SuperSport United at Loftus Versfeld when the Amakhosi were engaged in a neck-and-neck race for the league title against Soweto arch-rivals Orlando Pirates. The goal proved decisive as Chiefs went on to clinch the league on the last day against Bloemfontein Celtic.
Ngobese donned the popular number 11 jersey, made famous by one of Chiefs’ all-time stars, Nelson “Teenage” Dladla, and more recently by the equally talented but wayward midfielder Jabu Mahlangu.
Ngobese dazzled the fans and mesmerised the opposition with his tricky, silky skills and 90-degree turns on the ball. Criticised for over-elaboration and showboating, he had crowds on their feet with his tsamayas, shibobos and ‘show-me-your-number skills – trademarks of uniquely South African soccer entertainment.
His career took a nosedive when German-born Turkish coach Muhsin Ertugral took over the coaching reins from Dumitru in the 2005/6 season. Hardly had Ertugral started his duties than he pronounced that “I don’t want nonsense football in my team”, a veiled reference to Ngobese.
Unsurprisingly, Ngobese was among the players who were placed on Chiefs’ transfer list. The decision did not go down well with most Chiefs supporters, but signalled the end of his illustrious career with the Amakhosi.
Ngobese joined KwaZulu-Natal outfit Thanda Royal Zulu, but his career was hampered after he was diagnosed with TB.
There was renewed hope when he appeared to have recovered from the ailment, even attending trials with Mamelodi Sundowns.
But he again disappeared into football oblivion before his death.
As his family prepare for his funeral next week, tributes continue to pour in for Ngobese. Dumitru described his career as an “unfulfilled dream”.
“He helped us at Chiefs win the 2004/05 league title, which was our second league title in a row, and later he won a cup or two.
“But I don’t think, for someone so talented, he achieved everything he could have achieved in his football career,” Dumitru said.
“It is a big blow, but what is sad for me is that nobody seemed to understand his nature. He remains immortal in my mind, and my condolences go to those who were close to him… what a special player, amazing,” he added.
Ngobese’s friend and former teammate Steve Lekoelea also expressed shock at his death.
“There will never be another player like Scara in South Africa,” Lekoelea said.
Ngobese’s former teammate at Chiefs, Arthur “10111” Zwane, said: “It is going to take a long time for me to get over the passing away of Scara, simply because of how talented he was and for his contribution,” adding he would always remember Ngobese for his goal against SuperSport United.
Ngobese’s brother Thabani said the family were still fina- lising funeral arrangements but that the funeral would be held either on Tuesday or Wednesday.