Macheke relishes Chippa challenge
ZITHA Macheke does not feel bad about having an Absa Premiership title medal he did not even play for last season at Kaizer Chiefs.
The defender was only happy to accept the medal after Amakhosi’s extraordinary campaign with former coach Stuart Baxter.
Macheke might have spent almost all his time watching matches from the stands, but he believes the lessons he’s learnt from Amakhosi defenders Tefu Mashamaite, Eric Mathoho and Morgan Gould will help him make a mark at Chippa United in the coming season.
Macheke, who was born in Meadowlands, has joined Chippa on a season-long loan deal.
“I did not play, but I believe it was a blessing in disguise.
“I was competing with guys like Mashamaite, Tower [ Mathoho] and Morgan Gould. They were my mentors.
“Now is the beginning of greater things. I am not saying it’s going to be easy at Chippa, but I’ll probably get a chance to play there. They were almost relegated last season and I could see the first day I got here that they are ready to have a much better season.
“We believe we can finish in the top eight.”
Macheke has been named in the U23 squad to face Zimbabwe in a 2016 Rio Olympics qualifier next weekend.
The first leg finished 1-1 Rufaro Stadium in Harare. The U23 squad is: Goalkeepers: Ludwe Mpakumpaku (Cape Town All Stars), Ricardo Goss (Golden Arrows), Jody February (Ajax Cape Town)
Defenders: Tshepo Rhikotso (Bloemfontein Celtic), Kwanda Mngonyama, Motjeka Madisha (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabo Makhele (Witbank
at Spurs), Tebogo Moerane (Bidvest Wits), Zitha Macheke (Chippa United), Siyabonga Zulu (Platinum Stars)
Midfielders: Ayabulela Konqobe, Abbubaker Mobara, Riyaad Norodien (all Ajax), Keagan Dolly (Sundowns), Gift Motupa (Orlando Pirates), Jino Moeketsi (SuperSport United), Phumlane Ntshangase (Wits), Maphosa Modiba (Mpumalanga Black Aces), Lebogang Phiri (Brondby IF, Denmark)
Strikers: Siphiwe Kambule (Highlands Park), Andile Fikizolo (SuperSport), Siphelele Ntshangase (Black Leopards), Dumsani Zuma (Celtic).