Prolific Jayiya flavour of the moment

Bhongolwethu Jayiya (right) bounced back into form in stunning fashion last week as he netted the fastest-ever Absa Premiership hat-trick in Cape Town City’s 4-1 win over Chippa United.

The 26-year-old has not been a regular in the Citizens’ starting line-up this season, but took advantage of the absence of Lebogang Manyama to net three times in the first 16 minutes of the match at Athlone Stadium, scoring his first league goals since September.

Amazingly, his five Absa Premiership goals this season are his best tally since he netted eight times for Bidvest Wits in his breakout season in 2010/11.

“I feel good, it is hard work, the main thing was to train as hard as possible and to stay positive and to push and to fight to get back and carry on working hard ... I am reaping the rewards of working hard to recover from my injury, I wasn’t worried about losing my place,” said a calm Jayiya.

Coach Eric Tinkler’s side continue to defy the odds in their maiden season in the Absa Premiership, challenging for league honours having won their first piece of silverware in December, beating SuperSport United to lift the Telkom Knockout.

“Picking up silverware was a bonus for all of us –we wanted a top-eight finish,” said Jayiya who added that right now he is not thinking about Bafana Bafana.

“For me it’s not to focus on the Bafana squad, I need to focus on the club for now, if a national team call-up comes then I will accept it, but it is not something that I am aiming for.

“I want to do well for my team.”