The British sitcom Mind Your Language, about a group of immigrants learning English where plenty is lost in translation to huge comical effect, has nothing on conversations that take place in the Mamelodi Sundowns camp.
There are two Portuguese speakers, Leonardo Castro and Ricardo Nascimento, who don’t speak English. They rely on Flavio Bento to translate for them so they can communicate with their teammates.
There’s also Yannick Zakri, the French-speaking Ivorian who also doesn’t speak the Queen’s English. His countryman Soumahoro Bangaly, who recommended him to Sundowns, doubles as his translator and tour guide while he gets used to the country.
“When I came here, there was (Fiston) Abdul Razak,” Bangaly said. “He speaks French. He helped me adapt to the team because if the guys speak (English) quickly, I don’t understand them, but when they talk slowly I understand. He helped me a lot.
“Players like Dennis (Onyango), (Anthony) Laffor, Shoes (Asavela Mbekile) and Mala (Cuthbert Malajila) helped me adapt to the set-up. I am just returning the favour.”
These communication troubles are only an issue when the Brazilians aren’t on the field. The moment they enter it, they are on the same page with their brand of enterprising football where they make the ball do the talking.
“It’s difficult to communicate because I am new to the set-up and there is the language barrier,” Zakri said through Bangaly.
“But Bangaly is helping me adapt, he talks to me and helps me communicate with my teammates. Sundowns are a big team. Everyone is helpful at training. The players help me improve. In the field, it’s easy to communicate as football is one language. We understand each other easily there.”
That understanding has seen Zakri make a seamless transition into the team, bringing a different dimension to their attack in their march to the MTN8 final.
While the injured Castro was a central point of reference, Zakri plays wide and cuts inside. He is a threat with his pace and skill. He will be looking to open his scoring account with the Brazilians at Mbombela Stadium when Sundowns take on Bidvest Wits in the MTN8 final today (5pm).
He showed glimpses of what he can do against Chippa United in the two-legged semi-finals, but his progress has been stunted by his unavailability for the CAF Champions League where he is cup-tied, having played in the competition for Asec Mimosas this year. He looks promising in the domestic league and then has to wait while the Brazilians are on their African sojourn, where they are in the final of the Champions League. Watching them progress is a bitter-sweet moment for Zakri, especially since the 25-year-old grew up in that tournament.
“Asec helped me grow a lot,” Zakri said. “They are a big team not only in Ivory Coast but also in Africa. They exposed me to a bigger audience because they play in the Champions League regularly, which tests not only your football talent but your attitude and mental strength, too. I grew in confidence by playing on that stage with Asec. It’s sad that I can’t help Sundowns but it’s good they are doing well. I am looking forward to playing with them there next year.”
Even though certain things get lost in translation during this interview, with Bangaly admitting his English isn’t that good, Zakri’s confidence was loud and clear.
“The people who don’t know me will know me,” Zakri said. “I will play and score. When I do that, people will say, Zakri, Zakri, Zakri!”
His name is on the lips of many Sundowns fans who have seen glimpses of his talent. He is confident those fans will be happy tonight.
“I believe we are going to win the trophy,” Zakri said. “Sundowns are the best team in South Africa. They are the champions (after all). I believe this team is going to win more trophies.”
Saturday Star