Births on February 2

Isaac Kungwane, South African footballer and sportscaster (d. 2014)

Isaac "Shakes" Kungwane: A South African Football Icon and Beloved Analyst

Isaac Ramaitsane "Shakes" Kungwane, born on 2 February 1971 and who sadly passed away on 28 May 2014, was a revered figure in South African football. Widely known by his affectionate and fitting nickname "Shakes," he was celebrated primarily as a gifted midfielder whose exceptional vision, precise passing, and creative flair captivated fans across the nation. His unique ability to dictate the tempo of a game, distribute the ball with remarkable accuracy, and unlock rigid defences made him one of the most exciting and influential talents of his generation in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) era and before.

A Distinguished Playing Career Defined by Vision and Flair

Kungwane's professional career saw him grace the pitches for several prominent South African clubs, leaving an indelible mark with each spell due to his distinctive style of play. He was often described as a true midfield maestro, capable of delivering a killer pass from deep within his own half or orchestrating attacking moves with effortless grace.

• Kaizer Chiefs (Amakhosi): "Shakes" is most famously and prominently associated with Kaizer Chiefs, one of South Africa's biggest and most successful football clubs. During his highly impactful tenure with the Glamour Boys, which spanned from approximately 1993 to 1998, he became an undisputed fan favourite. His exquisite ball control, incisive through-balls that split defenses, and an innate ability to weave magic in the midfield were pivotal to the team's successes during that era. It was at Kaizer Chiefs that he inherited and proudly wore the iconic number 11 jersey, a shirt made truly famous by the legendary winger Nelson "Teenage" Dladla. This symbolic transfer of the jersey number from one creative genius to another further solidified Kungwane's place in the club's storied history and demonstrated the high regard in which he was held.
• Jomo Cosmos: Prior to his memorable and defining spell at Kaizer Chiefs, Kungwane also played for Jomo Cosmos, a club renowned for nurturing raw talent and developing future stars under the astute guidance of its owner and coach, Jomo Sono. His formative time here played a crucial role in honing the sophisticated skills and tactical awareness that would later elevate him to stardom.
• Pretoria City (later SuperSport United): Following his departure from Kaizer Chiefs, "Shakes" moved to Pretoria City, a club that subsequently rebranded to the now well-known SuperSport United. He continued to showcase his midfield prowess, contributing his wealth of experience and skill to the team's efforts in the competitive top flight of South African football.
• Manning Rangers: Towards the latter part of his illustrious playing career, he also had a stint with Manning Rangers, a club based in Durban. Notably, Manning Rangers made history by winning the inaugural Premier Soccer League (PSL) title in the 1996-97 season, though Kungwane's time there was later in his career, adding another prominent club to his impressive footballing resume.

Beyond the Pitch: A Beloved Football Analyst and Media Personality

After hanging up his boots and concluding his active playing days, Isaac Kungwane seamlessly transitioned into an equally successful and beloved career as a football analyst and commentator. His articulate insights, deep tactical understanding of the game, and distinctive, often humorous, commentary style quickly made him a household name across South Africa. He became a prominent and much-loved fixture on SuperSport, Africa's leading sports broadcaster, where his analytical contributions were highly valued by millions of fans and respected by his peers. This post-playing career further cemented his legacy as an influential and engaging voice in South African football, demonstrating his versatile passion for the sport.

An Enduring Legacy and Impact on South African Football

Isaac "Shakes" Kungwane's untimely passing in 2014 was a profound loss for the entire South African football fraternity. He is remembered not only for his extraordinary talent and captivating performances as a player but also for his infectious jovial personality, genuine humility, and unwavering passion for the beautiful game. His significant contributions as both an on-field maestro and an insightful off-field analyst continue to inspire and resonate within the football community, ensuring his rightful place as a true icon and a cherished memory in the rich tapestry of South African sport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Isaac "Shakes" Kungwane

When was Isaac "Shakes" Kungwane born and when did he pass away?

Isaac Ramaitsane "Shakes" Kungwane was born on 2 February 1971 and sadly passed away on 28 May 2014.

What position did "Shakes" Kungwane play in football?

He was primarily a South African football midfielder, renowned for his exceptional creative playmaking abilities, superb vision, and precise passing, often dictating the flow of the game from the middle of the park.

Which notable football clubs did Isaac Kungwane play for during his career?

He played for several prominent South African clubs, most notably Kaizer Chiefs, and also had spells with Jomo Cosmos, Pretoria City (which later became SuperSport United), and Manning Rangers.

What was the significance of the number 11 jersey for "Shakes" Kungwane at Kaizer Chiefs?

At Kaizer Chiefs, "Shakes" Kungwane proudly wore the iconic number 11 jersey. This number had previously been worn and made legendary by the esteemed winger Nelson "Teenage" Dladla, symbolizing a continuation of creative brilliance and high expectations associated with that specific jersey number at the club.

What did "Shakes" Kungwane do after his professional playing career?

After retiring from professional football, Isaac Kungwane transitioned into a highly respected and popular career as a football analyst and commentator. He was particularly prominent on SuperSport, where his insightful, articulate, and engaging commentary made him a beloved figure across South African sports media.