“We are looking forward to Cape Town,” reveals William Twala. Kaizer Chiefs’ new signing made his debut wearing the iconic Gold & Black jersey in a 1-0 win over Bloemfontein Celtic last Sunday. “I was overwhelmed to be named in the traveling squad to Bloemfontein. I didn’t expect to be included in the squad after only having been an Amakhosi for two days.”

Twala was signed from Chippa United last week and he announced his arrival as a Glamour Boy with a notable performance in Bloemfontein. “I felt blessed and it was a dream come true when Doctor (Khumalo) called my name in the traveling squad. I couldn’t believe my ears for a moment. The next challenge was the trip to Bloemfontein, it was an emotional moment.”

Twala hails from Diepkloof, Soweto, where he grew up dreaming to play for Kaizer Chiefs. He attended the Johannesburg Secondary College and one of his mates was present Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo, his teammate also when still at the Buccaneers’ youth development.

“Traveling to Bloemfontein gave me time to settle and ease the nerves a bit,” reveals Twala. “Words of support and encouragement came from one teammate to another. The moment of truth came when I was named in the 18-man team, as a substitute.”

The Free State Stadium was half-full when the squad arrived for the pre-match walk on the pitch and Twala was met by a cheering and enthusiastic crowd. He remembers: “As we were walking through the tunnel, it suddenly occurred to me that life as a Chiefs player had begun. Then, in the second half, my name was called to come on as a substitute. What I had meditated on became a reality”.

Twala draws much of his inspiration from his family: “They give me strong support. My knees were shaking when I received the first ball from Yeye (Reneilwe Letsholonyane) and it was then that I realised that I am really part of the Amakhosi Family.”

Twala’s first shot at goal rebounded tantalisingly off the upright, bringing the crowd into rapture. The 25-year-old reviews the shot: “I saw Ndulula (Bongani) making space, measured the goalkeeper’s position and took the shot. I thought it had gone in, but it wasn’t to be.”

The winger already scored two goals for Chippa United, with one of the goals coming against Bloemfontein Celtic (on 18 December 2015). It was a similar rocket to the one on Sunday, with one difference – the goal post blocked the ball from going in goal this time around.

Shortly after that shot, Twala was fouled in the box, which resulted in Willard Katsande’s spot kick winner. “It was a dream start for what I wish will blossom into a good football career at Amakhosi. I was emotional after the match and all glory goes to the Almighty.”

Twala played against Platinum Stars with Chippa earlier this season, coming on as a substitute in a 3-2 loss. “They (Platinum Stars) are a good team and they always challenge for honours,” he reflects. “We are ready and working hard to achieve at Chiefs. There are three points at stake, and we plan to take them all in Cape Town.”

Twala adds: “I will work hard to contribute to the success of this magnificent team.”

Chiefs will host Platinum Stars at the Cape Town Stadium in the Cape of Love & Peace. This much-anticipated match is scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 24 (kick-off is at 15:30).

Tickets are selling fast at the Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers outlets nationwide. So please don’t lose out and buy your ticket early. The tickets are selling at R60 for adults and R10 children under the age 12.