Kaizerchiefs.com caught up with the newly signed midfield-cum-striker, Mthokozisi Yende about joining the Glamour Boys and his future aspirations…

Welcome to the Family, Mthokozisi - how has the camp been so far?

Thanks. The camp has been tough, as the coach has been pushing us very hard at training in the morning and in the afternoon but it is worth it. I am sharing the room with Punch (Masenamela) and he is a very good guy and we talk a lot about our aspirations in football and life in general.

At Tuks you played in the middle and sometimes up front, have you spoken to the coach about how he is going to use you and which position do you prefer?

I have not spoken to the coach but I am happy to play behind the strikers. It is the same position I was playing during my stay at Tuks.

You played for Tembisa Classic, which campaigned in the Premier League, so top-flight football won’t be something new for you…

Yeah, but I only played for them when they were campaigning in the Vodacom League. This will be my first season in the top flight and the Nedbank Cup prepared me for the challenges ahead.

Chiefs are a huge Club that comes with a lot of pressure to perform. Are you not nervous about the prospect of playing for this Great Club…?

I am not nervous, not at all. I am aware though that Chiefs is a big name Club with a huge following and expectations will be high. I will do my best to absorb pressure…I have had an opportunity to speak to both Arthur (Zwane) and skipper (Jimmy Tau), they have been very helpful since we arrived in camp. I am looking forward to donning the black and gold jersey.

What went through your mind when you scored that goal in the Nedbank Cup against Itumeleng Khune?

I could not believe it when the ball kissed the back of the net. It was a proud moment for my teammates and me; I only shook hands with Shabba (Siphiwe Tshabalala) after the game. We have met couple of times and we speak now and then. Other guys, I guess they were too upset to talk. They do sometimes talk to me about that night but we have been mostly talking about this upcoming season. We all have one objective now to do well for the Club.

What did you learn during your spell with Tuks?

I learnt a lot in terms of professionalism, diet etc. It is important as a sportsman to eat well and look after yourself in ensuring that you maintain high performance standards. I spent two years there and I had fun and grew as a person. I am grateful to everyone for the opportunity.

You seem to be a very quiet type of a guy, how would you describe Mthokozisi Yende?

Yeah, I can be very quiet especially when I am sitting with people that I am not used to…I like to laugh a lot especially when I am with my best friend, Tshepo Masilela. We are very close since our days at Premier United.

We are told you also bit of a charmer…

(Cutting in) no, no, it is not true…

There will be a lot of attention for you especially now that you are a Glamour Boy…

I don’t even want to think about that; all I am focusing on is playing football and repaying the faith shown in me by the Management.

What are your aspirations during the term of your three-year contract with the Glamour Boys?

First and foremost it is very important for me to first get to know my teammates well and then I will take it from there…

Your first test is going to come against Manchester City in Durban…

Yes, we are all looking forward to the game against one of the biggest clubs in the UK.

Fact File: Mthokozisi Yende

Date of Birth: 07 June 1984

Place of Birth: Tembisa, Johannesburg

Position: Striker

Jersey Number: 10

Previous Clubs: Tembisa Milan, Abaranduli, Mighty Tigers, Benoni Premier United, Tembisa Classic, Tuks (Pretoria University)

Debut for Chiefs: