He talks to kaizerchiefs.com about the discussion he had with Kaizer Motaung JR prior to the game and coming up against his former coaches, Manqoba Mngqithi and Fani Madida.

Were you worried that your former coaches, Manqoba Mngqithi (Golden Arrows) and Fani Madida (Kaizer Chiefs) were going to have a plan for you as they are aware of your weaknesses?

Abia Nale: I was aware that they know both my strength and weaknesses but my focus was on grabbing an opportunity. I was focused more on winning the game and I was happy that everything worked out at the end of the game.

You must have been delighted to be back in the starting line up since your start against Bidvest Wits at Peter Mokaba Stadium last December?

Abia Nale: Yeah, it is always a great feeling when the starting team line up at the centre to greet supporters. It is a huge motivation and if you have been part of that you always want to start. When you are on the bench sometimes it is difficult as you want to go out and help your teammates.

I continued to work hard on my game when one of my teammates was preferred ahead of me against Mpumalanga Black Aces. I never lost hope...I never do. The guys did well and it was for me to work hard and grab an opportunity given to me by the Technical Team.

You and Kaizer are roommates and it looked like the goal you created for him was discussed prior to the game...

Abia Nale: (Laughing) No, not really. We spoke a lot about the game and I told him that I am going to score a hat trick...he said was going to do the same. He was having a go at me at how I know longer give him ‘assists’...but I insisted that I have been a ‘Soul Provider’ for a long time and it was time for me to rattle the net.

We are both positive about life and we talk a lot prior to the game.

I am happy for him that he is getting the net on a regular basis. It is good for his confidence and of course for the team.

It must be also good to have strikers who can find the back of the net, Knowledge Musona, Kaizer Motaung JR., Sthembiso Ngcobo, etc...

Abia Nale: We play offensive football so it is good to have people who can finish off the chances. They also give us options whether you play to feet or in the air. We can also come behind them and get the goals we need.

There has been lot of criticism about the depth in the team, what is your take on this?

Abia Nale: We have a very competitive team that is capable of challenging for anything on offer. The competition in the team is fierce and it keeps each and every one of us on our toes.

You know that if you did not have a good game that someone might come in and take your place in the team. I honestly think that we have a strong squad - both those who are starting and those who are on the bench.