“It was exciting,” reflects Siyanda Xulu. Siyanda Xulu joined Kaizer Chiefs from the Russian side Rostov at the start of this season. “I always wanted to make my name at Chiefs.” Though Xulu played in the preseason friendly matches including in the derby match, Xulu made his official league debut in the MTN8 quarterfinals against Maritzburg United.

“More exciting was that I scored on my debut - more so we progressed to the next stage of the competition,” says Xulu. “And I think it is going to be exciting going forward.”

Xulu shares the moment in time when he walked through the FNB Stadium tunnel in gold and black colours, “It was an amazing feeling. When something you look forward to come to reality, you always want to do your best.”

The dampener happened when Xulu converted an own goal with a looping header over an advancing goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse. The own goal came against the run of play when Chiefs was leading 3 – 2 and on cruise control.

“It is something as a player you don’t want to reflect on,” comments Xulu about the own goal. “It is just an experience that every defender goes through. It challenges you and it is test of character,” adds Xulu. “How much you believe in yourself and at the end of the day you have to pick yourself up.”

Chiefs won in the extra time 5 – 3 and advanced to play Bloemfontein Celtin in the MTN 8 semis.

“Very exciting and a bit emotional especially after I scored an own goal,” concludes Xulu. “I felt I let the team down and as a new player it means everything to contribute to a winning team.”

“I got the support from my teammates. Participating in the winning team was a great start personally.”

Xulu expressed confidence ahead of the trip to Port Elizabeth on Sunday. Chiefs will open their league campaign as the defending Champions when they visit Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Women’s Day, 9 August, kick-off is at 15:00.

Tickets for the match are sold at ticketpro (www.ticketpro.co.za) for R40. Ticketpro have affiliates at various outlets in the Eastern Cape, Edgars, Edgars Active, Jet, JetMart & CAN. Select Postnet outlets in the Eastern Cape as well as Post Offices in the Eastern Cape. There are ticketpro independents as well; including at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and EP Cricket Ticket Office.For more info fans can call ticketpro offices at 0414088986/87.