COSMOS ‘CAN STILL DO IT’
XULU’S AMAZING RISE FROM CHIEFS REJECT TO SA CAPTAIN
Every Tuesday in Phakaaathi
Siyanda Xulu believes he can work well with Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter after he was picked to captain the side at the 2018 Cosafa Cup in Polokwane.
The 26-year-old Maritzburg United centreback is set to wear the armband for the first time on Sunday, as Bafana enter the competition at the quarterfinal stage, in what will be only his fifth senior cap, and his first since March 2014, when he came on as an early substitute for Bongani Khumalo in a 5-0 loss to Brazil at the FNB Stadium.
“Stuart is a very tactical guy, he is going to help me with my game, we will have that relationship as captain and coach and I am looking forward to it,” said Xulu.
After a frustrating couple of seasons at Kaizer Chiefs, where he got a paltry amount of gametime under Steve Komphela, Xulu excelled under Fadlu Davids in Maritzburg this season, helping the team finish fourth in the Absa Premiership and reach the final of the Nedbank Cup.
“For me personally it has been a great year,” added Xulu.
“Who would have thought that two seasons ago when things weren’t looking great. After fighting for my position at Maritzburg, earning a Bafana call-up and being named captain, I am looking forward to the Cosafa Cup.”
Xulu could also take over the captaincy at United next season, as Bevan Fransman is leaving the Team of Choice, and he believes he has all the right attributes to lead both club and country.
“It was only a matter of time … before anyone saw what I was doing on the pitch besides playing, I am always organising, the guys do rely on me as a player and on my leadership responsibilities. I am one player who trusts in my own abilities and now is the time to show everyone that I am the right man for the job.”
The Cosafa Cup also represents an opportunity for Xulu to reignite his international career as a player, having last turned out for his country over four years ago.
“It was a huge surprise, coming back here,” he admitted.
“And I said to myself let me learn from the guys, let me reset my (international) career.”
And who knows, with a standout performance at the Cosafa Cup, Xulu could well put himself in the frame for another call-up later in the year when Bafana resume their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
“For sure, that is one of the plans. It is always a step forward, you are looking to do well for your club, to earn yourself a Bafana call-up, to play every opportunity you get. Baby steps, but it is something I am looking forward to.”
Now is the time to show everyone that I am the right man for the job