Gert Schalkwyk has come back from the pre-season break looking leaner and more determined than ever to cement himself a place in the Kaizer Chiefs starting line-up. The Amakhosi clinched the Mpumulanga Premier's International Football Cup yesterday thanks to a phenomenal performance by Schalkwyk in the semi-final and a solid display as a second half substitute in the final.

The Klerksdorp-born midfielder was out of favour last season and was put on the transfer list, but he is determined to improve his game and prove his critics wrong. Sunday's two games in the Mpumulanga Cup went a long way to doing that. The Amakhosi won the cup by beating Mozambican side Deportivo Maputo 3-0 in the final. “I was happy with the way things went yesterday, but I will be even happier when I get a regular starting place in the Chiefs first team,” explains Schalkwyk.

During the off season Schalkwyk worked extremely hard in the gym with Elsa Storm and on the field with Warren McCann. “Yoh-yoh, those two worked me hard and I have them to thank for my improved preformance,” reflects Schalkwyk.

When asked about his future at Chiefs, Schalkwyk says, “Chiefs is my home, I want to stay here. I will work hard and do whatever it takes to win back my place.” Amakhosi coach Muhsin Ertugral is also impressed. "Schalkwyk has lost a lot of weight, worked hard in gym and did well at the Mpumalanga Cup," Ertrugral comments.