DURBAN - Lamontville Golden Arrows starlet Thabani Zuke is having the season of his life.
The 19-year old propelled Abafana Bes’thende to MultiChoice Diski Challenge triumph, and was also the part of the Under-20 national team that emerged victorious at the Cosafa Cup.
Zuke can operate in different positions - centre-back, central midfielder and right back. Speaking after lifting the Diski Challenge trophy at King Zwelithini Stadium Zuke revealed that his next goal is to make a breakthrough in the seniors at Arrows.
“It feels great to be a champion. It is nice feeling. The championship was a marathon but we pulled it off. We faced various challenges but were able to overcome them. We used to take a two week break which affected us. Things are working out nicely for me. My next goal is to make the starting eleven in the senior team,” Zuke explained.
The KwaMakhutha-born midfielder is facing stiff competition in the seniors from the likes of Nkanyiso Cele, Jabulani Shongwe, Danny Phiri and Sandile Zuke. “I’m not doing anything differently. I always listen to my coaches instructions. When I was in the national team I followed coach Thabo Senong’s instructions and at Arrows I always listen to coach Vusi Vilakazi,” Zuke stated.
As much as Zuke can operate in various positions, his favourite is central midfielder.
“I can play anywhere I’m asked to play. All I want to do is to play and to be on the field,” Zuke explained.
In two weeks time Arrows will travel to Spain as the part of the reward for winning the Diski Challenge.
“Going to Spain will help me to develop as a player. Who knows maybe when I come back I will get game time in the senior team? I’m ready for my chance. I’ve been ready for a while.
“When I came back from the national team I thought I was going to get game time but unfortunate it hasn’t happened but that hasn’t hampered my confidence but instead I’ve been working even harder
“Anything can happen, I can even get contract in Spain if I do well,” Zuke said.