Isaac Kungwane facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Isaac Ramaitsane Kungwane | ||
| Date of birth | 2 February 1971 | ||
| Place of birth | Fafung, South Africa | ||
| Date of death | 28 May 2014 (aged 43) | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Alexandra Blackpool | |||
| 1990 | Kaizer Chiefs | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1987–1990 | Jomo Cosmos | 17 | (2) |
| 1989 | Milan FC (loan) | 20 | (2) |
| 1990–1998 | Kaizer Chiefs | 120 | (37) |
| 1993 | Pretoria City (loan) | 15 | (5) |
| 1999–2001 | Manning Rangers | 64 | (16) |
| 2001–2002 | Alexandra United | 21 | (2) |
| 2002–2003 | Uthukela | 9 | (2) |
| 2011–2014 | Alex Mamelodi Sundowns | ||
| Total | 266 | (66) | |
| International career | |||
| 1996 | South Africa | 2 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Isaac Ramaitsane "Shakes" Kungwane (born 2 February 1971 – died 28 May 2014) was a famous South African football player. He was a talented midfielder who played for several big clubs. These included Kaizer Chiefs, Jomo Cosmos, Pretoria City, and Manning Rangers. At Kaizer Chiefs, he proudly wore the number 11 jersey, just like the legendary player Nelson Dladla before him.
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Shakes Kungwane's Club Career
Isaac "Shakes" Kungwane loved football from a young age. He started playing at Alexandra Blackpool. A scout from Kaizer Chiefs, Vincent Williams, noticed his amazing talent. Shakes began his professional career at Jomo Cosmos.
He later joined Kaizer Chiefs, where he became very well-known. He even turned down a big offer from Mamelodi Sundowns to play for Chiefs. Shakes made his first appearance for Chiefs on 28 March 1991. He was known for his exciting "showboating" skills. This meant he would do fancy tricks with the ball, even when his team was winning by a lot!
In 1992, Shakes had a tough injury during a game. He was out of action for eight months. While recovering, he started to struggle with his weight. This was a challenge for the rest of his career. After a loan spell at Pretoria City, he got back into shape. He returned to Chiefs, scoring some amazing goals. He left Chiefs in 1998 because he wasn't playing as much.
In 1999, coach Gordon Igesund asked Shakes to join Manning Rangers. Shakes saw this as his last chance to shine. He moved to Durban and continued to play great football.
Memorable Goals
Shakes Kungwane once said he scored fewer than six goals in his whole career. But the goals he did score were unforgettable! He scored a goal against Michau Warriors from the halfway line. He also scored a curved shot directly from a corner kick against Dinonyana. This incredible goal helped him get called up to play for the national team in 1996.
Playing for South Africa
Shakes Kungwane made his international debut for South Africa on 18 September 1996. This was in a match against Australia, which South Africa won 2-0. He came into the game as a substitute in the 63rd minute.
Just three days later, he played his last international game. It was a 0-0 draw against Ghana. He came on as a substitute in the 75th minute.
Shakes Kungwane's Playing Style
Coaches often talked about Shakes Kungwane's unique playing style. He was known for his incredible skill and accurate passes. He could even pass the ball while facing the other way! This "wizardry" on the field sometimes got him into trouble with coaches, but fans loved it.
Life After Football
Shakes Kungwane retired from professional football in 2002. He played semi-professional football for a short time in 2003. After retiring, he continued to play amateur soccer for Alex Mamelodi Sundowns.
He became a popular football analyst for SuperSport. People nicknamed him "Kasi Flavour" because his analysis was easy to understand and relatable, especially for people from townships. SuperSport even launched a special highlight feature called "Kasi Flavour" to honor him.
Shakes also started his own football academy, the Shakes Kungwane Alex Football Academy. He opened it just two months before he passed away. The academy helps young players develop their skills and compete in tournaments.
Personal Life
Isaac Kungwane married Busisiwe Precious in 2002. They had three children together: Kabelo, Neo, and Thato.
His Passing
Isaac "Shakes" Kungwane passed away on 28 May 2014. He had been in the hospital for two days. He died from problems related to diabetes. Many people, including his former coach Gordon Igesund and teammate Lucas Radebe, shared their sadness and memories of him.
His memorial service was held in Alexandra, Johannesburg. Shakes Kungwane was buried in Fafung, Brits, in the North West province.
