In this week's DoRego's blog, we feature University of Pretoria's Bongani Zungu.
On the derby against Mamelodi Sundowns, ja, the preparations have been going well and the coach has told us to push hard in this game the same way we've always done in the other games. We mustn't change our philosophy but rather approach the game like any other game – work hard and try to close them down. You can't take away the fact that Sundowns have quality players. They play a high standard of football. We'll give them all the respect they deserve, but on the field we won't give them any space to play. We'll try to close them down early. But, bona, they've got a very good team. They booted us out of the Telkom Knockout and then we drew in the league, but I think for us, it's going to be important to win this game. We haven't beaten any big team, like Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Sundowns. Pirates beat us. I think a win for us will boost our confidence for the remaining league games.
My good form has been all about hard work, man. A lot of teams put their focus on the big man upfront, Mame Niang. So I think the reason I'm doing well is because I work off him. We practise our moves at training, we motivate each other and we're always together on and off the field. That's played a big role in me performing well because most teams focus on him and I capitalise on that.
Yeah, we scored 25 goals in 24 league games, that's an average of like a goal a game and this has led to talk that maybe we rely a lot on Niang and when he's not on form we struggle, but I won't say that. It's our first season in the PSL and I think most of the guys haven't reached their potential yet. Even I haven't reached my potential! The confidence isn't as high as it was in the First Division. I think as time goes on, the guys will start picking up, be able to take shots at goal, take risks and so on. That's what I can say. We will definitely get better.
Many people expected us to be fighting relegation in our first season in the PSL, but the technical team have planned well for this season. I mean, they are strict. They demand hard work, they demand resilience from us and they've played a very vital role in us being where we are. The team spirit is amazing and we're a team full of young players with potential, mixed with experience. The guys are close to each other and we guide each other and I think that's why we are doing well. That's the special factor I can say.
As for me, I'm very happy. Like I said, I haven't reached my full potential, but then I'm happy with my progress so far. It's been a good season for me. Ingijabulisa kakhulu (It makes me really happy) and makes me want to push more. In the First Division there's no space, which made things a bit difficult. Everyone is running and you get closed down quickly, but in the PSL there's space. Teams give you space. They mark the space and don't go one-on-one, so it's up to you what you want to do with the ball. It's all about the brain.
Our coach, Steve Barker, is humble and he earns respect from us as a team. He likes players who work very hard and are committed. He pushes us to work hard and reach the high levels he wants. He's one of the reasons we're doing well as a team because he's a very knowledgeable coach.
Yes, it's true that I have extended my contract for one more year. I'm still young, man. The coaches here are giving me a chance to play, so I just decided to add one more year to my stay. Ja, I think this team will make me reach my full potential and become a complete player. I can safely say that I'm on the right track and even the resources here are good for me to reach that standard. That's why I decided to stay for longer. Look, my aim is to eventually go to Europe. I'd like to see myself playing overseas and getting national team call-ups. That's what I'm aiming for!
Our supporters must know, we'll keep on pushing. We'll keep on working hard and making them proud. Their support means a lot to us and we'll do everything in our power from our side for them to come out in numbers to support us. We'll really work very hard in the remaining games so that we finish in a respectable position on the log.
Ha, ha, ha! Yeah I may score to again, I scored a brace in our last game against AmaZulu. I will work hard. You never know! If it's your day, it's your day.
Bongani Zungu,
University of Pretoria
