Thami Mkhize Q+A

Cape Town City’s Thamsanqa Mkhize had one of his best seasons in the last DStv Premiership campaign, as he recovered from injury to help his side finish fourth, showing his endurance and pace even in the twilight of his career.

Mkhize, who turns 35 later this month, talked to SuperSport.com about the new season and his ambitions as he enters his eighth season at the club, ahead of City’s opener against newly promoted Polokwane City at the Athlone Stadium on Sunday

How did the pre-season go?

“The most exciting thing is that football is back. For us, and also for supporters. I would say we started well, because we reported for pre-season early. And we managed to spend good time together. Our camp in Polokwane was good also for the new players, to gel with the old players within the club, and also for everyone to understand the formation that we play. And also, to understand our ambition for the season. I think we did everything that we should have during the preseason and now, the only thing that is left, is for us to go out on the pitch and show we can perform the way we prepared.”

Both your chairman and coach were talking this week about winning at least one trophy this season …

“The most important thing, as a professional football player, is just that. The reason why I left AmaZulu was because I wanted to play for a club that is challenging for honours. And I was fortunate enough, when I joined Cape Town City, I joined a club whereby the ambition of the club is to win. And I was lucky enough that we've managed to win two trophies. And I know how it feels when you play for a club that wins things. I will also agree with the coach that for the past two years, as much as the club finished in a respectable position, for us as players, it doesn't taste good, knowing that you didn't deliver any silverware. So I'm glad they have emphasised that and put faith in the players. The most important thing for me, personally is to always challenge to win something which will be good for the team and also will be good for also the growth of the player cause you also want to go on and represent the national team. And some other players will be getting opportunities to go overseas. So I believe this season if we can make sure that we go all out, we can challenge and something will happen.”

What do you need to do differently this time around?

“After our last game of last season against Chiefs, where we beat them to finish fourth, I said to my teammates we must learn to start the season the way we finish. Let's start with the same mentality. Because for me it was a bit disappointing that we did not beginthe last two seasons well. We are a good team, we supposed to perform and bring home the results. But it wasn’t happening. So let's just come back this season, and stay together and make sure whatever is coming on our way that we stay positive and we work hard and we make sure we start the season on a positive note.”

You did struggle a bit with injury last season, how are you managing yourself? Are you confident you can still plays a key role this season?

“I'm healthy. And I'm looking forward to challenge myself and make sure that I contribute to the success of the team. And hopefully by that time when I feel like my body is not helping me to perform on the field, we will have won the DStv Premiership because that is the one that I really want to win.”