‘Amigo’ to go for broke to prove he has it
Tornado striker is determined to do his best in playoffs
FORMER Future Tigers lethal striker and now Tornado’s sniper, Amandla “Amigo” Mrwebi intends to make a name for himself when he participates in the National First Division playoffs set to be staged in Polokwane in two weeks time.
The only team representing the province in the national tournament, Tornado will depart for Limpopo today and they will have a week to prepare for their battle against eight other teams from other provinces as the tournament kicks off on June 4 to 9.
Mrwebi said after a rough season at Future Tigers he couldn’t foresee anything standing in his way as he’s determined to prove to the country he’s a quality player.
“At Tigers there was a challenge to chase the league title because last season they were so close to winning the league.
“But as we continued to play we kept on losing games and I think the guys lost interest in what the team was trying to achieve.
“And when I was approached by Tornado and I knew that this was a chance to make a name for myself and that’s what I’m planning to do at the playoffs,” said Mrwebi.
He said it was very tough to join a team that look like they had found all their winning combinations on the pitch as he had to prove himself to be worthy of getting game time.
“It was not easy at all, because the team was winning consistently so I had to challenge myself to work very hard so that when I get a chance to play I do well.
“So as time moved on I got game time every now and then because the coach saw how hungry I am.
“And honestly I expected that things would be tough but every player knows that the case when you join a new side, but it’s up to you not to take that to heart. Because it can be a stumbling block if you do.
“And I told myself I know these guys I’m now playing with, because I’ve played against them so many times and that allowed to me gel much quicker with the team.”
Mrwebi said playing friendly games as they prepare for the playoffs in Polokwane was a perfect way to gauge themselves.
“Every time we play friendlies (four games since the third-tier season closed) we discover new combinations that we haven’t explored.
“We all know that this is about the team before each of us and it’s showtime now, so we all need to come to the party and show why we are here and not just go there for the sake of honouring the tournament.”
He added: “Because the tournament itself is a motivation to players like me who’ve always wanted to play professionally since a very young age.
“So I need to be well and ready and so should the entire team but the most important thing when we get there is to remain humble when we win our first game [against Buya Msutu from North West].”
The influential player said being complacent was the worst thing they could ever do to themselves.
He added it was high time he also competes at a high level like his peers, including former teammate at Tigers and now University of Pretoria winger, Zithulele “Alla” Mhlontlo.
“I feel ready now and I need to use these playoffs to make a reputable name for myself. And it’s high time now I get a chance to be professionally like my friends I started with such as Alla. But I know I’m in for a challenge and I know that it’s going to take all of us to do this,” he said.