Khenyeza returns to AmaZulu

It’s musical chairs for the coach who’s back at the club he left recently as a player

MABHUDI Khenyeza has opened up about his return to AmaZulu. Khenyeza, 36, left Usuthu in this transfer window and joined Maritzburg United as an assistant coach to Muhsin Ertugral.

The former Kaizer Chiefs marksman announced his retirement from football in December. Ertugral then parted ways with the Team of Choice after five games and Maritzburg appointed Eric Tinkler as Ertugral’s replacement.

Tinkler joined Maritzburg with his assistant Vincent Kobola, which means Khenyeza has now returned to Usuthu, where he will serve as the second assistant coach to Cavin Johnson.

Khenyeza explained why he came back at Usuthu.

“Maritzburg wanted me to stay. I had a chat with the management and the coach (Tinkler). The fact that Muhsin left didn’t mean that I must also follow him ... I wasn’t following Muhsin. I don’t want to grow like that. Muhsin made his own decision and I also made my own decision. I’m not that type of a person who will make decisions based on someone else’s decision. I make my own decisions,” Khenyeza explained.

Khenyeza will be on the bench tomorrow when Usuthu take on Cape Town City at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi in an Absa Premiership encounter (8.15pm).

“At the end of the day, I know what I want to achieve ... What kind of man are you if you keep on following the other man? He told me about the reason behind his decision. Even here, I’m not going to follow anyone,” he added.

Tinkler wanted to utilise Khenyeza as a striker coach at Maritzburg.

“I always have the confidence in my ability. You can take me to Europe now and I won’t encounter any problems. Football is universal. It doesn’t mean I need to start afresh. I didn’t even take me three days in my stint with Maritzburg to adjust. I’m not afraid of any challenge. Why do you have to be afraid of something you want to achieve.

“I’ve always wanted to be a coach. I turned professional at the age of 19 years. I also have to start coaching early. I don’t have anything to offer anymore on the field. It was time to open an opportunity for the upcoming young players. I love coaching. I’ve learned a lot of new things in a space of one month. Some of the things that I’ve learned can take years to master.

“Muhsin is a top coach ... He is an educator. If you are sharp enough, you learn quicker and apply the lessons.”