Vilakazi set on making mark in Denmark

THERE’S no telling how far Sibusiso Vilakazi, the recently crowned footballer of the year, can go if he reaches his true potential, with a bit more praise than criticism from Gavin Hunt, his coach at Bidvest Wits.

The Clever Boys skipper was voted the best player during the 2013-14 season by Premier League coaches and shortly after he picked up his award on Sunday night, slammed the door on potential local suitors.

“Signing a contract with any team in the PSL, whether it is Mamelodi Sundowns or anyone else, is not an option for me,” said Vilakazi, revealing that he is to head back to Denmark for a second time to try secure a deal at Brondby IF.

“I deserve it. I think I owe it to myself to give it another go because the last time I went there I only stayed for a few days and they never got to see the full package. I need to prove to them that I want a contract.” There’s a trend with Wits skippers to seek greener pastures after a breakthrough season. Tefu Mashamaite joined Kaizer Chiefs in 2011 and Orlando Pirates signed his successor to the captain’s armband, Sifiso Myeni, a year later.

However, Vilakazi said he was in no rush to make his next move if Brondby – or any European side – do not offer him a contract. He is committed to Wits for one more season.

“The best thing to do right now is to stick with the team and take it one step at a time. I scored eight goals in the league and 10 overall from 31 matches, and that is disappointing. I think I should be scoring 20 goals from that number of matches, or at least do a bit more than what I did this season,” he said.

Should he stay at Wits, Vilakazi said the club would be genuine title contenders from the first kick of the ball in the next campaign.

“This year we surprised ourselves by challenging for the league. We can only get better because I believe we have set a good foundation and I think next season we have to build on it,” said the skipper.