Amakhosi striker Nkhosinathi Nhleko has spoken to kaizerchiefs.com of his joy as he made his first start in a competitive game since the 24th February, when he took the field against Bloemfontein Celtic during Chiefs 1-0 Absa Premiership triumph on Saturday evening.

The Chiefs striker could not hide his hapiness at starting his first game of the season and said, “all my hard work and patience paid off and if felt really good to have gotten a run out against Chelsea.

All the time I was not playing I knew that if I kept a professional attitude and supported my team mates my chance would come.”

According to Nhleko who played 72 minutes of the game against Celtic he was pleased with his input in the game but believes with more game time he will be able to improve.

“The last match that I started was against Mpumalanga Aces in February.

I missed four games this season and did not start in the final seven of last season that is a long time without competitive action, I think with more game time my match fitness and my sharpness in front of goal will improve. I do believe that I am on the right track.”

Having battled his way back into the team Nhleko is not intending to slouch around and lose his place once more and is instead aiming to become a regular fixture in the starting eleven for the rest of the season.

“I believe that it was my dedication and commitment that helped get me back into the team, so I need to keep up with the same attitude and work ethic and hopefully I will be able to hang onto my place.

The coach has said it and to me it is clear no one is guaranteed a place in the team, we have a big game this weekend and I would like to very much be involved in it.”

With Chiefs building up to an important MTN 8 Semi-Final Second Leg tie against arch foes Orlando Pirates this weekend Nhleko as he has already eluded to the fact is going to do all he can to play in this world renowned derby.

“I will say that Pirates are definitely in my sights but I cannot take it for granted that I will start against them, the thought of walking out at a full FNB Stadium in front of a capacity crowd and playing in this historical fixture against a team like Pirates in a cup eliminator is enough to motivate me to work hard in the build up to the game and hopefully that will allow me to see some action on Sunday.”