We chat to the Dumisani Ngwenya during his private time on a visit to the library, as he is studying part time.
Q: The season has not been easy on anyone, the whole team included. How would you describe it on your own terms, was it good or bad for you?
A: It wasn’t such a bad season; it called for a lot of maturity. As a team we didn’t begin very well but in the middle we managed to come back to life. I did not finish the way I had wanted especially building from what I have done before in terms of scoring.
Q: How much of a challenge has it been for you as a striker and as a person in general to stay focused on your job when there is so much pressure placed on someone like yourself?
A: I believe that everything that happens, happens for a reason. More than anything you have to learn and make sure that your experiences make you strong. If you take criticism to heart you tend to lose it.
Q: Everyone has had their fair share of injuries at the camp, yourself included. Sandile ‘Sgubhu’ Gumede’s season has not taken off as Ayanda Dlamini’s has, due to injuries especially after he was top scorer with First Division side, Nathi Lions prior to joining AmaZulu. What do you think he should do?
A: In all fairness I think every striker has his time. Ayanda has used his time well he has shown that he is hungry. Sgubhu is also a good player and I’m sure that as soon he is ready and believing in himself nothing will stand in his way.
Q: When it comes to speculation of interest from other teams, in your situation, have there been rumours of clubs wanting to scoop you from AmaZulu?
A: I have learnt a lot from this camp, I was given a chance to play top flight football in the PSL coming from semi professional ranks and I’m very grateful.
I think if any player believes and sees himself ready for a new challenge then nothing should get in the way. But they just have to follow the right channels and listen to the right kind of advice, this game needs a lot of patience.
Q: Speaking of listening and advice, how has your studies been going?
A: Very well, thank you. Off the field I’m not in a rush I’m taking it easy in my life.
Q: Coach Neil Tovey has a lot of technical expertise at his disposal. How has been working with a former Bafana Bafana hotshot striker like Calvin Petersen?
A: It has added a good dimension in the development of our game. No one is perfect because some of the guys that joined us this season needed the right support structure. Calvin has the experience, and from what you encounter in a match situation you have to learn to grow in experience and develop instinct.
Q: Doesn’t it hurt to have failed by a whisker of a chance to get in the Top 8? As a consolidation AmaZulu have been given a lifeline by being drawn at home to Maritzburg United to try and get Cup glory this season.
A: We have finished well even though we missed out of the Top 8 but that is all in the past now. But if we can continue from our last four performances, showing that we want it, and trust in each other, we have a chance to go all the way to the final.
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