Q & A with Thami Mkhize
13 November 2014
Maritzburgunited.co.za chatted to Thami Mkhize, getting his impressions on how the season is shaping up for the Team of Choice.
The 26-year-old Mkhize has enjoyed a solid season thus far, playing in eight of United’s 10 league games, as well as the Telkom Knockout match against Kaizer Chiefs.
We put the following questions to the former Golden Arrows defender-cum-midfielder:
Q: With a new look team, does it come as any surprise to find yourselves sitting in fourth position with a third of the season gone?
Thami Mkhize: No it does not come as a surprise because we have been working very hard at training. The coaches are pushing us hard, they are pushing the youngsters hard, and it’s paying off for us. There is a good atmosphere in the squad because we are treated well by management – you look around and you see happy players willing to sacrifice and work hard for the team.
Maritzburgunited.co.za:Any memorable matches? And what has been the best goal Maritzburg have scored this season?
Thami Mkhize: Even though we didn’t win the game, the match against Kaizer Chiefs, in the cup, was memorable, because we played really well. But even before that, it was our first game of the season, away to Sundowns (1-1), we realized that we are together as a team, that we were gelling well, and that we can take on any side.
The best goal in my opinion was [Ntuthuko] Mabaso’s goal, in the 3-1 win over Platinum Stars at the Harry Gwala Stadium. He hit the ball first time from outside the area, it was the way he executed it, the way he connected with the ball, that impressed me.
Maritzburgunited.co.za: We have seen several of the new players doing really well…
Thami Mkhize: Yes, I mean you look at a guy like Mondli Cele, he has been a regular on the team in his first season in the PSL. Some of the other guys who have come from amateur teams have also done very well. So have the experienced new players the club bought – they’ve all added positively to the team and to the squad.
Maritzburgunited.co.za: What will be key in going forward this season?
Thami Mkhize: We want to improve all the time. The players are hungry to work, to learn and improve, and that’s a good thing. We just have to keep on putting in the effort at training, take things one game at a time, and remain humble.
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