Naturena, Siboniso Pa Gaxa was upbeat when kaizerchiefs.com interviewed him after the training session on Tuesday afternoon. The fullback, who once turned out for Koninklijke Lierse Sportkring (Lierse SK) in Belgium suffered a groin injury towards the end of the 2013/14 league season in the Nedbank Cup semifinal game against Bidvest Wits.

“I am well and have recovered from the injury I suffered last season. It is good to be back and to be fully recovered. I worked on a recommended exercise programme during the break and that has helped me to heal.” said Pa.

How did you spend your offseason?

“I travelled overseas as part of my holiday. I visited a friend who lives in Brazil and had an opportunity to watch the Group F match between Argentina and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Estádio Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro. Argentina won that game by 2 – 1. It was a good experience to be part of the passion of football in Brazil.” said Pa.

Tell us more about Brazil 2014?

“The winds of change are sweeping in Brazil. The South Americans are giving the big nations a tough time. I think the Cup will go to a South American team if not Germany.”

Let us get back to the business at home, how do you see the preparations going so far?

“The process will take a few more practices to get us back in the right shape, but so far so good. We are all working hard and by the time the league resumes we will be ready.” said Pa.

You are doing well in the Carling Black Label Cup votes, ‘the numbers don’t lie’ as the saying goes. You are appearing in the starting line-up since the last voting count with 144 541 votes cast with your name. How do you feel about that?

“It is a good feeling to be voted for by the supporters in the starting line-up. The Carling Cup is a competitive preseason game and very exciting. We are looking forward to the big game. It is a Derby and a fan favourite Cup. I am happy and would like to thank the supporters that participate in the voting processes.” said Pa with absolute confidence.

Pa appeared in 35 games last season and has promised to do even much better during the upcoming season.