Thabang Rooi has told kaizerchiefs.com that he will not be relaxing at home during the off season and that he wants to be in the starting line up when Kaizer Chiefs comes up against English giants, Manchester City in a mouth-watering 10th edition of the Vodacom Challenge.

Rooi did not play any part in last year’s Vodacom Challenge but his performances on his debut in November against Bidvest Wits proved that he is one of the most reliable defenders in the Amakhosi camp.

He formed a defensive wall alongside Valery Nahayo and was a worthy winner of December’s Player of the Month award together with the Most Improved Player of the Season award during the Players Awards held in Midrand last Thursday.

“I was surprised to be announced as a winner of the award. Honestly I thought someone like Wayne (Matle) was going to win it as he also did very well for the team,” said the soft speaking defender speaking from his home in Vaal.

“The award was a testimony of the hard work I put during the season. I am honoured that the Club noticed it and rewarded me. Therefore, I want to thank my teammates and everyone for the way they have helped me in my first season with Chiefs.

I think I was able to start at least half of the league games this season, which is not bad. I played well and was unfortunate to be ruled out because of the injury and when I returned to full fitness I found other guys doing well.”

“I missed the Vodacom Challenge and MTN8 last season. I will not be resting on my laurels during the break, as I want to play each and every game next season starting with the Vodacom Challenge where we will be facing Manchester City. I am hoping to go back to UK with them,” he said with a laughter.

Thabang said he is expecting the defense to perform much better next season, “We now understand each other and we talk all the time. I am hopeful that we will do much better next season.