Jose Torrealba shares his Soweto Derby moments
Phakaaathi caught up with former Kaizer Chiefs striker Jose Torrealba ahead of the Soweto Derby to hear what he had to say about playing against Orlando Pirates.
Jose Torrealba and Andile Jali during the Telkom Charity Cup Final match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at Soccer City Stadium on August 07, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa Photo by Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images
Torrealba is currently a free agent and lives in Bolivia with his wife and kids.
- Do you still follow South African football?
Yes, I do follow the league.
- Take us through the week leading up to the Soweto Derby what was the feeling like?
It was always a very exciting week. All the coverage from media, expectations inside the team, the pressure, and this kind of game motivated me very much to do a good game.
- What are some of the things that the coach would say to the team leading up to the derby?
I can’t remember exactly the words but for sure everybody in the club wanted to win it.
- Did you feel the pressure, and have you felt that kind of pressure ever since playing football?
Yes, I did feel it but in a good way, I mean, this pressure motivated me to work harder during the week and also have more rest at home than before others games.
5. Which Pirates player did you hate facing in the derby, who were some of the difficult defenders to beat at Pirates, and why were they difficult to beat in your opinion?
It was difficult to play against Benson Mhlongo [who is now an assistant coach at Pirates] and Isaac Chansa. They always brought the best out of you if you wanted to beat them.
- Which players did you enjoy playing with at Chiefs.
Many but if I have to choose one it have to be David Mathebula, what an incredible player in my opinion. I used to enjoy every training session with him.
- Which team do you play for now?
Currently I’m free agent. I did play the second part of 2017 in Bolivia but right now I’m just working on my own.
