“Leadership is about showing that one is growing and improving,” enthuses Kaizer Chiefs’ skilful midfielder Josta Dladla after leading the Reserve Team to a 1-0 win over Maritzburg United on Saturday.

It was the first game of the Amakhosi Reserve Team in the Multichoice Diski Challenge. Dladla scored the winner in the 60th minute from the penalty spot.

“It was interesting,” continues the veteran. “I am 35-years-old and I was asked to play in the Reserve Team with some 18-years-old. We all had to adapt. As the senior player I had to tell some of the youngsters not to play to the crowd and not to do those funny things on the ball when it doesn’t serve a purpose in the game.”

How time flies. In 1999, it was Dladla, when he was playing in his first matches for Wits University - nowadays called BidVest Wits – who often liked to showboat a bit. He smiles when the comparison is mentioned: “Wits had some fantastic leaders in the side at the time. They taught me about professionalism and to always be hungry to perform to the best of your abilities. Those same lessons I was taught then, I now try to install in young players.”

“The game was fun. Also, because there was a fantastic atmosphere in the packed King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban.”

The Amakhosi got a penalty in the 60th minute after Matthew Rusike’s ball was handled by one of Maritzburg United’s players. At first, one of the young members of the Reserve Team came forward to take the penalty. But Rusike quickly intervened, stressing that Dladla, as the captain and veteran of the side, should take the responsibility. He did so and coolly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.

“It was a good win,” concludes Dladla. “It was an excellent game. And on a personal level, it was great to get some game time.”