AmaZulu FC.net’s Sli Xulu catches up with third choice goalkeeper Philani Zikalala who says the January break has given him renewed zeal to keep knocking on the first team’s door.
SX: How would you describe yourself Philani?
PZ: I’m also known as Philo and I’m from KwaMashu, and I still live with my parents there. I completed my matric at John Dube High School in KwaMashu.
SX: Where and when did you start playing football?
PZ: I started playing when I was really young in KwaMashu and then I was groomed and developed by Durban Warriors (AmaZulu feeder team), I then went on to play for Nathi Lions (now known as Atlie FC).
SX: What is your proudest moment or highlight in your career?
PZ: It was when I played against Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup of the 2010/11 season.
SX: Is there any other sport that fascinates you other than football?
PZ: I love cricket and I can watch it all day.
SX: How do you cope with the daily schedule of being a football player?
PZ: I go to Virgin active a lot to work out and distress there through swimming, I love swimming.
SX: How is it like working with an experienced goalkeeper coach like Graham Johnson?
PZ: Working with Graham really opened my mind; he is fair and treats everybody equally. He does not side-line anyone. He makes all of us feel comfortable.
SX: How you would you describe your work relationship with Tapuwa Kapini and Mbongeni ‘Kati’ Mzemela?
PZ: Kapini is really an inspiration; since he came I have learnt so much from him. I had always seen him on TV while he was playing for Platinum Stars and he has helped me improve my passing and I am still learning a lot from him and Mbongeni too – he has been with the club for a long time and he made me feel welcome.
SX: What keeps you going and motivated to keep trying to crack the starting line-up?
PZ: I have to say that my teammates, Kapini and ‘Kati’ always motivate me. If it wasn’t for the faith I would give up because I haven’t played for a long time.
Kapini and Mbongeni motivate me to keep practicing and to know that my time is coming. I had a one on one chat with Coach Roger Palmgren and he said I am doing well and I must continue to work hard.
SX: Is there anything else that you want to express?
PZ: People must know that since we are in the team we all want to play and I am working hard .I do not want to be just a number but I want to add value.
If I was someone else I would have given up a long time ago for not playing but I keep trying.