A delicate balancing of sport and politics.

HE WAS detained and shot by apartheid police but that did not deter Nkosi Patrick Molala from being a soccer star.

The renowned activist continued to play the beautiful game behind the high walls of Robben Island where he shared his skills with other political prisoners who included current deputy president Kgalema "Wizard" Motlanthe and Mosiuoa "Terror" Lekota, the current Congress of the People leader.

Sowetan visited him at his home in Pretoria last week and he relived his experience of playing football during the height of apartheid in the 1970s.

How difficult was it to play soccer while police were harassing you?

It was a difficult situation but I refused to be intimidated and discouraged by the apartheid regime from playing the sport I loved.

How long did you play soccer at professional level?

It was not that long, thanks to the apartheid regime. I joined Pretoria Callies back in 1972 but my stay was short-lived after I was arrested in 1976.

What else were you doing before your incarceration?

I was an activist and also a senior clerk at Kalafong Hospital in Atteridgeville. I was 25 years old then.

How did you join Callies?

I grew up playing soccer in Atteridgeville and I was also actively involved in the game at school level. I started at St Paul Minor Seminary School in Hammanskraal (north of Pretoria).

But it was at PAX College in GaMashashane (west of Polokwane) where I built my profile as a player. We used to play against guys from Turfloop University (now University of Limpopo) during their graduation ceremonies and our matches attracted throngs of coaches from professional teams.

It was during those matches that Callies scouts spotted me. Turfloop had quality players like Lekota but we used to beat them.

Who did you play with at Callies?

I found great players like Lucas "Masterpiece" Moripe, Patrick "Frelimo" Dibetla and George "Mastermind" Kgobe. Masterpiece played an important role in me joining Callies who were known as Bantule Callies then.

Why did they change that name to Pretoria Callies?

The management began to have a problem with the name after the media started calling the club Bantu Callies. They felt Bantu was derogatory.

Can you tell us more about your short spell as a professional player?

It was a good experience playing at professional level. That made me disciplined and punctual in everything that I was doing. The experience also made me a much stronger person in life because of the challenges that go with playing football at that level.

What were your strengths as a player?

I excelled in all positions. I was good as a winger and in midfield. I also had dribbling skills and that earned me the nickname "Let Them Dance" because I used to make opponents dance through my wizardry.

Who was your toughest opponent?

I used to have it easy against defenders but that was not the case with Johannes "Ryder" Mofokeng of Kaizer Chiefs. That guy used to stick to me like a bee to honey. Ryder was the best defender in our era.

Difficult opponents on Robben Island.

There were plenty, especially the youngsters from the PAC. You must remember that the 1976 uprising brought a number of young activists to Robben Island.

Which were difficult teams to play against?

Pimville United Brothers, Benoni United and Witbank Aces. It was not easy to beat those teams. Their players ran for the entire matches and had the ability to score late crucial goals.

Which goal, of those you scored, still stands out for you?

A header from inside the penalty box that left (Joseph) Banks Sethlodi (Chiefs' goalkeeper) befuddled. I was set up by Solomon Nkambule.

Your worst match.

It was against Chiefs in the semifinal of the Mainstay Cup. I fluffed numerous clear-cut scoring chances. I let my teammates, coach and supporters down. We should have buried Chiefs with an avalanche of goals had I not missed those chances. We lost 1-0.

Who was your best friend at Callies?

Patrick Dibetla. We were inseparable and he was also our most reliable player.

You were a man about town - a professional soccer player, senior clerk and an activist. How did you handle yourself?

Very well. I was humble and respected other people. People then thought we had a lot of money but we didn't.

How much were you paid?

Between R80 and R120 monthly.

Did you quit the game after you were shot?

Though I wanted to solely concentrate on politics, my love for soccer saw me return to Callies. I joined their technical staff and at that time they were playing in the amateur ranks. We managed to take them to the second division but could not gain promotion to the elite league the following year.

It was at the time when I decided to quit because of growing responsibilities at Azapo.

What are you doing at the moment?

I'm still actively involved in politics and I was also appointed interim chairman of the recently formed SA Masters and Legends Football Association.