The 25 year-old Blantyre, Malawi-born Kondowe first arrived in South Africa to play for the Eastern Cape's Bush Bucks.

We caught up with Kondowe after a recent Leopards training session in Thohoyandou, Limpopo.

This is how the conversation went.

Hi Fischer, how did you make your way into the PSL from Malawi?

I had always followed South African football as a youngster, and knew of some of my countrymen who had played here before me - such as the great Ernest 'Wire' Chirwali (former Bloemfontein Celtic and Mamelodi Sundowns). I used to play for Bakili Bullets in my country and was selected to play in a COSAFA match; this is where Bucks' Chairman Sturu Pasiya spotted and recruited me to play in this country.

What do you beleive in as a Rastararian?

I beleive in God, like many other religions do. The Rasta way encourages a clean way of life. Others in my religion believe in Haille Sellaise - the Emperor of Ethiopia -, but I believe he was a leader, not a God - just like Marcus Garvey was.

We don't eat meat because we belive that animals also have a right to live. I have not eaten meat in 11 years now and feel very healthy. We also beleive strongly in the principle of giving respect to all people. It's a good way of life I think I have been fairly consistent in my football career so far largely because of it.

How and why did you become a Rastafarian?

I became a Rasta because i beleive in the teachings of our religion. I was first influenced to join about 12 years ago after listenining to my brother's reggae music.

Which other Rastafarian football players do you know?

Bob Marley was a football player, he is the most famous of all Rasta football players. He said 'Football is a part of I, when I play the world wakes up around me'.

I think Sailor Tshabalala at Platinum Stars is Rasta, and also former Orlando Pirates captain Thabo Mgomeni. Others like the legendary Ruud Gullit (ex-Holland and AC Milan) just have the dreadlocks, they do not neccessarily subsbscribe to the religion.

Do you find that you are targetted by anti-doping officials since your religion is often associated with cannabis?

Not really, they know that like the late artist Lucky Dude, I do not touch that stuff. I've been in the league for a long time now, people know about my habits by now.

Thanks for your time.
God Bless