Ex-Bidvest Wits midfielder Alois Bunjira has heaped praise on Roger De Sa as he revealed how the gaffer’s calm approach was a catalyst in polishing him to be a shining beacon at the Braamfontein-based club.
Bunjira worked with many high-profile coaches in his illustrious career, including Wieslaw Grabowski, who is credited for identifying and polishing Zimbabwean legends, including ex-Chippa United coach Norman Mapeza, Costa Nhamoinesu and George Mbwando, among others.
He also worked under the late Reinhard Fabisch at the Zimbabwe national team, the so-called dream team and the late Steve Kwashi with the trailblazing Caps United class of 1996
But despite the litany of big-name coaches he worked with, it is Roger De Sa’s soft touch and professional approach that Bunjira retains in his heart, exactly thirteen years after hanging his boots.
“I blossomed at Darryn T juniors and quickly matured. Without much time I was sent to train with the first team at the age of 15. The first team coach, Wieslaw Grabowski, polished the rough diamond, and I earned a place in his team.
“The next big thing after that was Reinhard Fabisch calling me to the national team when I was 17, which gave me a big boost. I was now a senior player and still growing.
“When I eventually moved to Blackpool and then to Caps United with Steve Kwashi, I got polished more and became a full international player.
“The story of my career won’t be complete without mentioning Roger De Sa at Bidvest Wits, who instilled such professionalism and the art of playing football in a modernised system. His soft touch turned it around for me,” Bunjira told FARPost.
Bunjira had two stints at Bidvest Wits after joining the club in 1999 as an exciting prospect. He lived up to his billing.
In 2002 he left to join Mamelodi Sundowns, where he made 22 appearances before switching back to the university outfit in 2003 up to 2005.
“My best season in South Africa, however, is the season I went back to Bidvest Wits and finished the season as the club top goalscorer, player of the season and was the Premiership 3rd top score with 16 goals,” he added.
