“Every player wants to play,” reflects Kaizer Chiefs striker Bongani Ndulula on his official debut wearing the Gold and Black jersey against Free State Stars on Saturday evening. “I was happy to be included in the 18-men squad and especially when the coach decided to bring me on in the second half.”

Ndulula joined Amakhosi from AmaZulu during the off-season.

The striker came on as a direct swap for Siphelele Mthembu in the 66th minute. “Without working hard, I wasn’t going to make the 18,” continues Ndulula, who has recovered from injury.

“As a player you must always be ready. You never know, the coach can call you to action at any time. My first touches were ok. I didn’t want to put myself under pressure. I was just glad to be part of a winning team on the day.”

Ndulula revealed that one of the messages he received after the match was from his brother Thulani, it said: “You played well and you must keep working hard.”

Chiefs face Polokwane City in an Absa Premiership match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday, 25 August (kick-off is at 19:30).

Tickets for the match are sold at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers outlets nationwide for R40.