LAWRENCE "Sister Monica" Qupe, formerly Siyangaphi, had a rare record as a soccer player.
He captained all the teams that he played for, starting his career at Benoni United as a 19-year-old shortly after completing matric in 1983.
He went on to captain Witbank Black Aces, before moving to Jomo Cosmos were he retired in 1994 after serving Ezenkosi with great vitality for five years.
Qupe, who is a born-again Christian, was among a few players during his era who took education seriously.
We spoke with the modest former star yesterday.
Who taught you to play soccer?
No one. Mine was a God-given talent. My peers called me 'King' while we played amateur football in Daveyton. They said I was the king of soccer because I always gave opponents a tough time.
Where did you get the sobriquet of Sister Monica?
From a fan who was following my progress as an amateur player. He likened me to a nursing sister by the name of Monica who was loved by patients because of her good heart. On the pitch I would make my teammates comfortable enough to play good soccer.
Why didn't you rush to play at professional level?
I wanted to finish matric first because I regard education as key in life. No one can take education away from you but a football career can end prematurely because of injuries.
So you went on to get your teacher's diploma. How difficult was it to juggle studying and later teaching, with soccer?
It was difficult to study because of our hectic travelling schedule as soccer players. But I was committed to my studies and I refused to be distracted. I used to take my books to the training camp. I cope as a teacher because we only had one training session in the afternoon.
Were you star-struck in your first match as a professional at The Rabbits?
Not at all, because I believed in my ability. That is why they made me the captain.
Why did you leave United?
For new challenges. I saw Aces as the right team to join.
I was recruited by Veli Mahlangu. Terry Paine and John Lathan (ex-Aces coaches) helped me to perfect my game.
But you ended up at Cosmos?
Aces had financial problems, I remember we were once not paid for three months. I decided to pack my bags and return home.
So Jomo Sono seized the opportunity to snap you up?
I don't know how Mjomana knew about my plight. He came to my home one evening and convinced me to join his club. I adored Mjomana as a player so I took up the opportunity.
What was it like to play alongside the boss?
Jomo never intimidated me. I used to remind him that 'look, you are the boss off the pitch but la siyadlala (here we are playing) and you mast mark players'. We had great players like Augustine Makalakalane, John Salter, the late Thomas Madigage, Gesond Vilakazi [his best friend], Webster Lichaba, Edward Motale. We also had a great tactician in Roy Matthews. We won the 1990 Bob Save Superbowl, beating AmaZulu 1-0 in Durban, thanks to Salter's goal.
Which goal stands out for you?
I was at Cosmos playing against AmaZulu in Vooslorus and I scored with a rare header after a good square pass from Tommy (Madigage). I was not a good header but that day I rose majestically to head it home. It left the late Shadrack Biemba flummoxed.
What are you doing at the moment?
I'm head of development and coach at the Sister Monica Youth Development Soccer Centre in Daveyton.
We all know your last name as Siyangaphi, but today you go by the surname of Qupe. What is the reason?
Siyangaphi is my mother's surname and I decided to use my father's now.
Can you tell us about your stint as a coach?
I coached Benoni Premier United in the PSL, coaching the likes of Bernard Parker and Tsepo Masilela. I'm proud to see them doing so well both for Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs.
Can you tell us about the commendation you recently received from Nigerian Football Federation?
They wrote me a letter of gratitude after I served The Super Eagles as a liaison officer during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals. There was no money involved but I felt humble by their gesture and I thank God for giving me strength and guidance during my time with them.
.
LEGENDS CORNER: 'Sister Monica' was the perfect skipper
LAWRENCE "Sister Monica" Qupe, formerly Siyangaphi, had a rare record as a soccer player.
He captained all the teams that he played for, starting his career at Benoni United as a 19-year-old shortly after completing matric in 1983.
He went on to captain Witbank Black Aces, before moving to Jomo Cosmos were he retired in 1994 after serving Ezenkosi with great vitality for five years.
Qupe, who is a born-again Christian, was among a few players during his era who took education seriously.
We spoke with the modest former star yesterday.
Who taught you to play soccer?
No one. Mine was a God-given talent. My peers called me 'King' while we played amateur football in Daveyton. They said I was the king of soccer because I always gave opponents a tough time.
Where did you get the sobriquet of Sister Monica?
From a fan who was following my progress as an amateur player. He likened me to a nursing sister by the name of Monica who was loved by patients because of her good heart. On the pitch I would make my teammates comfortable enough to play good soccer.
Why didn't you rush to play at professional level?
I wanted to finish matric first because I regard education as key in life. No one can take education away from you but a football career can end prematurely because of injuries.
So you went on to get your teacher's diploma. How difficult was it to juggle studying and later teaching, with soccer?
It was difficult to study because of our hectic travelling schedule as soccer players. But I was committed to my studies and I refused to be distracted. I used to take my books to the training camp. I cope as a teacher because we only had one training session in the afternoon.
Were you star-struck in your first match as a professional at The Rabbits?
Not at all, because I believed in my ability. That is why they made me the captain.
Why did you leave United?
For new challenges. I saw Aces as the right team to join.
I was recruited by Veli Mahlangu. Terry Paine and John Lathan (ex-Aces coaches) helped me to perfect my game.
But you ended up at Cosmos?
Aces had financial problems, I remember we were once not paid for three months. I decided to pack my bags and return home.
So Jomo Sono seized the opportunity to snap you up?
I don't know how Mjomana knew about my plight. He came to my home one evening and convinced me to join his club. I adored Mjomana as a player so I took up the opportunity.
What was it like to play alongside the boss?
Jomo never intimidated me. I used to remind him that 'look, you are the boss off the pitch but la siyadlala (here we are playing) and you mast mark players'. We had great players like Augustine Makalakalane, John Salter, the late Thomas Madigage, Gesond Vilakazi [his best friend], Webster Lichaba, Edward Motale. We also had a great tactician in Roy Matthews. We won the 1990 Bob Save Superbowl, beating AmaZulu 1-0 in Durban, thanks to Salter's goal.
Which goal stands out for you?
I was at Cosmos playing against AmaZulu in Vooslorus and I scored with a rare header after a good square pass from Tommy (Madigage). I was not a good header but that day I rose majestically to head it home. It left the late Shadrack Biemba flummoxed.
What are you doing at the moment?
I'm head of development and coach at the Sister Monica Youth Development Soccer Centre in Daveyton.
We all know your last name as Siyangaphi, but today you go by the surname of Qupe. What is the reason?
Siyangaphi is my mother's surname and I decided to use my father's now.
Can you tell us about your stint as a coach?
I coached Benoni Premier United in the PSL, coaching the likes of Bernard Parker and Tsepo Masilela. I'm proud to see them doing so well both for Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs.
Can you tell us about the commendation you recently received from Nigerian Football Federation?
They wrote me a letter of gratitude after I served The Super Eagles as a liaison officer during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals. There was no money involved but I felt humble by their gesture and I thank God for giving me strength and guidance during my time with them.
.
This article was first published in the printed newspaper and eEdition on 29 May 2013. Click on this link to view the eEdition
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