Sangweni aiming for dizzier heights
TO many football observers, Chippa United midfield strongman Thamsanqa Sangweni has not fully unleashed his true potential.
Sangweni‚ 27, who is United’s captain, agreed that he should have reached dizzier heights as he reflected on a career that has also taken him to Sundowns‚ a club that was expected to launch him into a midfield general.
“I won’t say I am happy or not about my career so far. It is one of those feelings that are difficult to explain‚” Sangweni said.
“My focus is to continue working hard and helping my team to get results. The rest will take care of itself.
“At Sundowns I learnt a lot and I thank them for the opportunity they gave me.
“I did not stay as long as I would have liked, but that is one of those things that happen in football. I have moved on with my career.
“I am at Chippa United now, where I am working to improve my game every day.”
Though they have not been consistent with producing results‚ United are one of the teams that have captured the imagination of the fans, with their free-flowing and attacking football, under the guidance of coach Dan Malesela.
“This is the first time I have worked with Malesela. He is knowledgeable about football and he wants us to work hard‚ appreciate the ball more and go forward with the combinations,” Sangweni said.
“We have a group of players who have been together for a while and we understand the type of football he wants us to play.
“Sometimes the results don’t come, but we are a group of players who will do anything to play for our coach and represent the club.
“We want to finish in a good position, inside the top eight.”
Sangweni‚ who is the brother of retired former Orlando Pirates defender Siyabonga‚ said he has not given up hope of returning to Bafana Bafana ,where he had only featured in two matches so far.
“My dream as a youngster was to play in the PSL‚” Sangweni said.
“I have achieved that, playing for Ama Zulu‚ Sundowns and Chippa United.
“My other aim was to play for the national team and become one of the best in the country in my position.”
His mission of cementing a place in the national team is not going to be an easy one as he competes for a place with the likes of Dean Furman, of Super Sport United, and Oupa Manyisa, of Pirates.
“There is always a challenge everywhere and I am ready to compete with any player at any level,” Sangweni said.
“If I am picked for the national team‚ I will go there and work hard at training to impress the coach. That’s the only thing I can do.”