Posted on August 03, 2012 12:20
In this week’s first team player profile we get to know AmaZulu’s attacking midfielder Siyabonga Thwala a little better.
When did you start playing football?
I started playing in 2001 as a seven-year old for local team called Golden Eagles. I also played for the Blues and Double Classic before joining AmaZulu under-17 and feeder club Durban Warriors.
What changes have you noticed in your game since you were promoted to the first team by AmaZulu in January?
My running off the ball has improved a lot, and so has my decision-making.
I also have more physical strength and stamina, which is always important because I have to be strong under challenges and remain consistent throughout the match.
How did it feel to be part of the South African under-20 squad for the 8-Nations Cup playing against teams like Brazil, Ghana and Japan?
It was my second call-up and I was quite excited with the opportunity to be part of such a great tournament.
It’s always good to compare South African football with the rest of Africa, South America and Asia, and I think we proved that we are on the right track.
We often see players doing well at youth level and then they disappear – how are you planning to avoid this?
I think it all depends on the person and what they want from football and from life. I am focused and I will not let anything come between me and my dreams, and I also want to make my family proud.
What are your short term and long term goals?
When the season resumes I want to keep working hard and try to get as many minutes as I can and hopefully I’ll be able to get more game time and become a regular starter in the second half of the season.
In the future I’d like to see myself doing well at club level, preferably overseas, and also playing for the senior national team.
What is your advice to young players who are still waiting for their big break?
For players in amateur teams waiting to be discovered, they have to take everything seriously and give their best whenever they play because you can never know who is watching.
For young players involved with professional teams, it’s all about patience and making sure that when you get your chance you take it with both hands because there are many players out there who wish to be in your shoes.
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