Mazibuko all set for big chance at Chippa United
Chippa United goalkeeper Mlungisi Mazibuko has big shoes to fill now that the team’s first-choice shot-stopper and captain Veli Mothwa has left the DStv Premiership side for AmaZulu.
However, the 28-year-old former Real Kings player said he was ready to make his mark at the Port Elizabeth club.
Mazibuko was thrown in the deep end on Sunday after the surprise sale of Mothwa a day before their league fixture against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
The goalkeeper took the chance and displayed a stellar performance on the day despite the goal scored against him.
Mazibuko said Mothwa’s sale had come as a surprise but he was ready to kick on from where he had left off on Sunday.
“The coaches always say we should be ready at all times for whatever happens.
So when the news came that Veli was leaving the club and I had to play, I was ready because I had always been preparing to be ready should anything happen to Veli.
“I was excited to be given the opportunity to play because it’s everyone’s wish in the team to get game time, but sometimes as a goalkeeper you need to be patient.
“If the person who is playing is doing well you need to wait for your chance.
“However, I think I am ready now and I think this is my chance to show people what I am capable of.
“Veli was very patient here at Chippa because he was here for a very long time, but when he was given his chance he grabbed it with both hands until it was time for him to leave.
“That is what I plan to do as well. ”
He said the team had not only lost a player in Mothwa but a team leader who played a huge role.
Mazibuko joined the Chilli Boys in July last year.
He made his first appearance for Chippa while in the bio bubble against Cape Town City and Sunday’s match against TTM was his second start for the team. He said he had learnt a lot from Mothwa.
“We used to push each other at training.
“What I have learnt from him will help me a lot going forward now that I have been given my chance.
“I learnt to be patient because in a game there is only one goalkeeper.
“I have big shoes to fill because Veli has done well since he started playing last season.
“So I need to work hard, I need to double up and make sure that I reach his standard, but at the same time I do not want to put pressure on myself.
“I will take it one game at a time and see how it goes, but I think I am ready to make my mark at Chippa.”
Looking back at his performance against TTM, Mazibuko said he believed he had done well, but there was always room for improvement.