Thanks for taking time to talk to us. Firstly how did you join Kaizer Chiefs Development?

I was playing for an amateur club in KwaMashu, Durban when the coach arranged trials for me with Kaizer Chiefs back in 2001. I might have impressed the coaching staff as I officially joined the U-13 under Terror Sephoa in 2002. A dream come true for a youngster, now I have been here for the past eight years and it has been great.

How has your stay been with Chiefs Development?

Everything has gone well for me from day one and most importantly I have learnt a lot working under different coaches here who have also played for the Club.

It must have been difficult for you to leave home at such an early age…

Yeah, it was very difficult and I would get homesick because I came here when I was 12 years old so you can imagine how difficult it was for me to be away from home. I told myself that this is my chance and I should grab it. It was always my dream playing with other youngsters in the streets KwaMashu to play for one of country’s biggest teams…here I am with Kaizer Chiefs and hopefully one day I will don the first team jersey.

So Chiefs was your favourite team?

(Taking a pause) Actually I followed Pirates…mhmm, not sure today (laughing)

You have been with the development for the past 8 years tell us some of the players you have played with during your time there…

I played with the likes of Thela Ngobeni, Shakes Sondhlane, Mzuvele Skhosana, and Siyanda Xulu now at Mamelodi Sundowns. There were of course the likes of Michael Nkambule, Itumeleng Khune, and Gregory Mabena who were in front of me. Lucky Khune who has been registered with the first team still plays with us in the U-20. I must say that it has been encouraging to see players being promoted to the first team and I am hopeful that my time will come.

You are the captain of the U-20s, how did that happen?

Coach, Donald “Ace” Khuse gave me the responsibility to lead the team. Maybe he saw something in me but I must say it has been a pleasure leading a group of committed boys. I am the type of leader who prefers to listen than to talk all the time. It can be very tough at times being a captain but it has also been a wonderful experience that has also helped me to deal with other challenges beyond football.

What have been your highlights during your stay with the Development?

I have had opportunities to see the world, I went to UK twice, been to Spain, Germany and I was also part of Coca Cola Football Stars back in 2008 which was quite an experience. Learning about other cultures and also just being part of Chiefs has been a highlight itself.

Your idol while growing up…

Locally it has been Steve Lekolea during his time with Orlando Pirates. I am also a big fan of Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard.

What is your biggest ambition in life?

I want to be one of the best players to have come out of this country. I love football and I am going to continue working hard in ensuring that happens. I am confident that soon I will get a chance to showcase my skills with the senior team.