Mashamaite prepared to bide his time

Tefu Mashamaite (left) is patiently waiting for his opportunity to break into Eric Tinkler’s backline at SuperSport United.

Mashamaite, 32, is an acclaimed central defender, who starred in Kaizer Chiefs’ glorious 2014/15 season, leading a dominant Amakhosi to the league and cup double under now Bafana coach Stuart Baxter.

Mashamaite left Chiefs to join Swedish side BK Hacken in 2015, where he made about 11 league appearances. A lack of game time in Sweden is believed to have encouraged his return to the Premier Soccer League. But it appears the monkey is still on his back as he has only made four appearances for Matsatsantsa since joining in August last year. How- ever, a muscle injury has derailed his opportunities.

“Match fitness is the only area I need to work on,” he said.

“The muscle memory is still there, the experience as well, so it is really just about working on my fitness,” he added.

The 2014/15 PSL Footballer-ofthe-Season played a full 90 minutes in last Sunday’s Nedbank Challenge friendly against the Ke Yona Team where he partnered with new team-mate Nigerian international Azubuike Egwuekwe

SuperSport are eyeing the first trophy on offer this season and will look to fight their way into the MTN8 final tomorrow when they play their semifinal, second leg against Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium. The advantage is with The Team of Choice after holding Matsatsantsa to a 1-1 draw in Pretoria.