Tefu Mashamaite was one of the key players during 2012-13 season when the Glamour Boys won the Double. kaizerchiefs.com caught up with 'Masha' just before the Team travelled to Nelspruit for the Absa Premiership opener against Mpumalanga Black Aces. Amakhosi won what became a tough encounter by 1-0 score line.

Masha, preseason has come and gone, how would you sum it up?

It went very well despite not having much time to rest after last season as I had to go to the Bafana Bafana camp. We went to Mpumalanga and the facility we used was top notch. The gym and the pitches where we trained were superb and most importantly the spirit among the group was as high as last season.

We played a couple of practice matches including Gauteng Football Cup and Carling Black Label Cup where we did well. We are now 100% focused on Aces and the start of the season.

Before we talk about the season, let’s touch on Bafana; what was the experience like?

It was my second call up (Masha was first called up to the national team by then Coach, Pitso Mosimane) and the first one by Gordon Igesund. I was happy to make the squad following the season we had as the Club.

We went to Lesotho and the Central African Republic where we did very well. We then went to Ethiopia. The trip to Ethiopia was quite a spiritual experience for me in particular.

Despite playing well on the day, we could not come back with the desired results. While in Ethiopia I got to learn more about the history of the country and the stature of the country in Africa. I got to absorb the energy of the people there. They came and filled the stadium rallying behind their team.

Last season you did well and got nominated for a number of Club awards but did not win, how did you handle that?

I was just happy to be nominated and recognised for the contribution I made to the success of the team. I was more excited about the Team winning the Double and it did not worry me not to win an award that day. I congratulated the winners as I felt they deserved to win.

What goals have you set yourself this season?

I set my personal goals in conjunction with the Team goals. It is all about winning and challenging for more trophies this season once more and we are up for the challenge.

How ready is the squad this season?

One of the factors that contributed to the Team's success last season is a competitive nature of the squad. It is a small squad, manageable where everyone is committed to the cause.

The training culture as well is superb. We are glad to welcome Knowledge (Musona) back in the team and he is a good addition.

We are ready to fight and we know that it will not be easy going to the season as champions. It is important to remain tight as a group and focus on achieving our ambitions.

Our first assignment is Mpumalanga Black Aces…

Who are newly promoted to the PSL league, have a new Coach and many new players, factors that make it a tricky assignment for us and we are playing away from home. We have the structure and the game plan and we will go out and express that today (Friday, 2 August 2013).

What song will you be playing on your way to the stadium tonight?

(Smiling) I will be playing ‘Believe me’ by Rapsody.

Will you be reading any book at the camp?

Yes, while in Ethiopia I bought a book titled ‘Bare foot’ a biography of Abebe Bikiha. He was the first Ethiopian to win a gold medal in the Olympics. The book talks about his life setting the legacy for Ethiopians.

Message to the supporters…

The atmosphere is always electrifying everytime we play at Mbombela Stadium and we are hoping the supporters will come in numbers. The supporters are integral in the success of the Team not only last season but from the early 70s and we invite them once more to rally behind the Club’s vision.

Masha, we thank you for your time…

Thank you to kaizerchiefs.com for the opportunity!