Lucky Baloyi made his first start for the Amakhosi during Sunday’s league defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns. Having had a taste of featuring in one of Chiefs' key fixtures of the season the young defender is hoping to play a regular role for the club.

Baloyi, who turns 20 in June, was told that he would feature against the Brazilians on Saturday evening. As he explained to kaizerchiefs.com, it was a nervous wait for him until kickoff on Sunday afternoon. “Prior to us going on a team-building exercise on Saturday afternoon the coach told me that I was going to play against Sundowns.

"We returned to the hotel early in the evening and I did not get much sleep. I was not fearful about facing Sundowns but was more anxious to get out there and play the game.”

Baloyi, who made his debut for Chiefs while appearing as a substitute during the Amakhosi’s Nedbank Cup last-32 win over Nathi Lions in February, was given re-assurance by the coach that he would handle himself well during the game.

“I was concerned at first. After a talk with the coach and some of my teammates I was calmer, knowing that he and my colleagues had the confidence in me for such an important game. That gave me a boost and lifted my fears and also helped my confidence going into the game”.

After the game Baloyi reviewed the match and evaluated his own performance. of which he said: “Given that it was my first start and the fact that it was always going to be a game of high intensity, I do feel that for the most part I managed to hold my own against a very strong front line.

"I also looked at my role in Sundowns' second goal. At the time I was thinking of shielding off Katlego Mphela so that he would not be able to send the ball over, but he managed to get the cross to Elias Pelembe who then scored.

"I feel, and this is not to undermine any other players, that playing against players of the quality of Katlego Mphela and Naysha Mushekwi can only help make me a better player.”

In concluding his discussion with kaizerchiefs.com Baloyi said he hopes to feature as regularly as possible for the Amakhosi. “I thank the coach for having the trust in me and giving me my first start in a big game.

"He had no doubts in my ability to do a job for the team and I hope that in the future I can repay the coach and my teammates and the club for all the support that they have given me.”