Posted on June 26, 2012 10:08
This week Silindile Xulu of AmaZulufc.net chats with one of Usuthu’s longest serving warriors in former DRC international and central defender Belux Bukasa Kasonga on what has seen remain a sterling figure at the kraal.
SX: How would you describe yourself?
BBK: Belux was born in Democratic Republic of Congo 32 years ago, and I am a God fearing husband and father, I am always smiling and joking, I do not keep grudges.
SX: When and where did you start playing football?
BBK: I started playing football back home in DRC from 1995 to 1999 in school. When I was in matric, I was selected by a team called AC Vita FC where I played for 3 years and later joined Spartak Moscow in Russia. The same year I also played for the national team of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
SX: So when did you come to South Africa?
BBK: I came to South Africa in 2003/2004 when I joined Ajax Cape Town after they had discovered me playing in Egypt. I only played at Ajax Cape Town for one season and left because there were just too many Congolese teammates who were just fighting for positions.
I then moved to Silver Stars which is now known as Platinum Stars where I played for two years and then joined AmaZulu FC in 2005/2006.
SX: You have played for Usuthu for 7 seasons and now going for 8, what has kept you in the club for so long?
BBK: I can say that I am truly blessed to be the longest serving player at the club. Discipline, confidents, respect and passion are some of the principles to my success.
SX: What are some of your interesting seasons?
BBK: The best season for me was when we survived relegation in 2006/2007 with Julio Leal as the coach for that season. At times I look back and say wow AmaZulu FC have come a long way.
The 2011/2012 season was also a very good season, everything in the club changed, we finished on 7th position on the log and we made it to Nedbank Cup semi-finals. The team has improved a lot we no longer play to fight relegation but we play to win and to be on top.
SX: What are thoughts about the Manchester United game?
BBK: Well I was excited to hear that, it is such a privilege to see Usuthu being recognized internationally and to be a part of such progress. We started training today and we are confident that we will play well.
SX: What do you enjoy doing if you are not on camp?
BBK: I spend time with my beautiful God fearing wife and 4 children. I also enjoy watching African Magic Movies and listening to African Music.
SX: What do you think is the ideal age to retire?
BBK: Ha! (Laughs) I might retire in 2016, I am still fit more than other young players and they might even retire before me.
SX: What are your plans there after?
BBK: I would love to be a technical member of AmaZulu FC maybe, I have so much love for the club they made me to be who I am today .Three of my children were born in South African when I already started playing for AmaZulu FC, therefore I regard this as home.