DURBAN – Yannick Zakri is not obsessed about accomplishing individual goals on his loan spell with Maritzburg United.
The Mamelodi Sundowns-owned attacker is primarily focused on making an impact which will contribute significantly in to the team’s success. The Ivorian international joined the Team of Choice on loan from Masandawana two weeks ago.
Zakri comes with a lot of expectations because of his pedigree. He has been to clubs like Sundowns and Asec Mimosa of Ivory Coast. On top of that, Zakri has earned six international caps in that Ivory Coast star-studded team.
Over the past 12 months, United have lost top talent in the likes of Evans Rusike (now at SuperSport United), Kurt Lentjies (to Chippa United) and Lebogang Maboe (who is at Sundowns).
Zakri is expected to make an instant impact in Pietermaritzburg, and says he is delighted to join United.
"This is a good team. Everyone is young at the club and eager to achieve big things. We will fight and work together. It is a good move for me,” Zakri said of his move.
United have struggled this season following their impressive displays last season where they finished fourth on the log and reached the Nedbank Cup final.
Zakri has the burden of delivering goals but he is not too concerned about the pressure.
“It is not about me. I put my team first ahead of my personal goals. I have to help the team win games and take one game at a time. It is not about me scoring 10 goals or 20 goals. If I’m here and I can pass to my teammates and they score then I will be happy. The team must win and I will be happy,” he added.
United are still winless in four matches in all the competitions this season. They have been beaten by Free State Stars and Lamontville Golden Arrows, and their only point came in a 1-1 stalemate against Kaizer Chiefs in their last outing.
The Team of Choice also crashed out of the MTN8 at the hands of Cape Town City in the quarterfinals.
Zakri is likely to partner with Andrea Fileccia upfront for United. But to him, that is not a worry.
“It doesn’t matter who I partner upfront. Maritzburg United have quality players. I can play with anyone upfront. Everyone can play. For me it doesn’t matter who I’m playing with,” a hungry Zakri elaborated.
He currently enjoying working under the guidance of Fadlu Davids, who is the coach at United.
“Off the field he is a normal person. He is a good person. I have to work hard (to get in to the starting line up). He is a good coach. We also have to push ourselves.”