SEDIBENG.- Abia “Soul Provider” Nale was one of Kaizer Chiefs darling during his stay with the club. He used to wear the famous No 11jersey that was made famous by former Kaizer Chiefs greats such as Nelson “Teenage” Dladla, Scara Ngobese and Jabu Pule. Local fans had an opportunity to reflect back to his playing days when he was interviewed by Lesedi FM yesterday. He told Lesedi FM that he is still involved in the development of football mentoring young players.
“I don’t want these youngsters to experience what some of us experienced in our football careers. I’m preparing them for the future and teaching them how to handle some of the situations,” he told Lesedi FM. NALE started his amateur football career with the now defunct Sebokeng Burning Spears FC before he went to Orlando Pirates development. He rose to stardom when he was promoted to Pirates’ first team but was loaned to Manning Rangers for game time. Pirates also loaned him to City Pillars before he was signed by Golden Arrows. This is where he made a name for himself and attracted big teams such as Kaizer Chiefs. When Orlando Pirates learned that Nale might join their bitter rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, they also attempted to secure his signature.
After a meeting with Nale’s family Orlando Pirates Chairman, Irvin Khoza, decided to back off. NALE has one Bafana Bafana cap he attained after a great season with Amakhosi. When he joined Kaizer Chiefs, Nale became Man Of The Match three times in a row. He made is debut for Kaizer Chiefs when they beat Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 and he created the goal. Some of the teams he played for in his football career include Cape Town Ajax, Platinum Stars, Mpumalang Black Aces and Maritzburg United. He is yet to announce his retirement in professional football as he recently had a short stay with GladAfrica Championships club, Pondo Chiefs.
