Downs man Zakri finally finds his footing in SA

After initial battles with language, Ivorian striker now enjoys life in his new home

It was not easy, but Mamelodi Sundowns forward Yannick Zakri has finally settled in South Africa.

When the Ivorian arrived at Sundowns from ASEC Mimosas in August 2016, he couldn’t even communicate with his teammates due to his poor English.

French-speaking Zakri’s compatriot Soumahoro Bangaly acted as the go-between, and things weren’t easy on the field either as Zakri struggled to adapt.

All that is in the past and the 26-year-old was even able to give us a full interview in English, having picked up some words from his teammates along the way.

Zakri scored his first goal in their 2-2 draw against Platinum Stars early in May and added three more in the league.

He also scored against AS Vita two months ago in the CAF Champions League.

“It feels good now. You know the first time it was difficult, because it was a new mentality, new exper ience and new environment. Everything was new

‘ ‘ It’s not about me. My first goal is to help the team

for me; the football, language and food,” Zakri reflected.

“I couldn’t even speak [English] when I came here and Bangaly helped me so much. When the coach [Pitso Mosimane] wanted to talk to me, he would talk to Bangaly first. Even when I wanted to buy something at the shops, Bangaly would help.

“Even now he still helps me, so Bangaly is my brother like everybody here,” he said.

“What I love about South Africa is that people here love soccer and that is nice. It’s not like in Ivory Coast.

“Yes, people in Ivory Coast love soccer but not more than here,” Zakri continued.

“What I miss about Ivory Coast is my family, only my family. I miss them so much.”

Zakri, who enjoys pap and chicken, believes he will do better next season after finally settling in.

“I expect more in the new season, but I want to help the team first.

It’s not about me. My first goal is to help the team,” he added.