In peak condition

There is always mention of your fitness and weight, but you look in your best shape since you came back from Europe. Would you agree? When I came back from Europe I was injured and had not been playing for a year due to ligament problems, so for sure there was absolutely no way that I could have been in top form and in the best condition. At [Mamelodi] Sundowns I was just dusting off the effects of the injury, so I didn’t play as much as I wanted to. I am not Superman who will just come onto the field after an injury and dribble everyone. And with me the challenge is that there are always high expectations ... at times miracles are expected of me even when I don’t get a chance in the box. This is all because of the record of 35 goals in one season, but the reality is that I can contribute in other ways besides scoring. But I understand that people are always on my case because they know that I have something in me and I have to push. But physically, how are you feeling right now? I feel good. I can never feel like I am in the best condition ever because I always believe that there are some little details that I am not happy with. That is why I am fine with the coach and physical trainer pushing me. Sometimes as a player you can relax, but if you have a coach who is always on your back pushing you then you will feel complete. Having started in the PSL in the 2003/04 season, have you embraced the fact that you will now start being called a veteran? [Laughing] Not veteran, maybe experienced! Isn’t that a better word to use? I don’t think I am such an old-timer! I think I was only 19 or 20 when I started playing in South Africa. I am now known and it is easier for me to play my football compared to when I first came here. At that time I had to make a name for myself and prove myself. Right now I still push very hard, but not to prove anything. I mean, if with over 30 individual trophies, medals and awards I still have to prove myself, then I don’t know how this game should function!