Richards Bay’s new signing Thabiso Kutumela has already set targets for himself. And one of them is working his way back up to represent Bafana Bafana. But he can only achieve that feat if he bangs in the goals.
Kutumela was speaking to the media after being unveiled by chairman Jomo Biyela as one of six new acquisitions. The unveiling included the R100-million major sponsorship deal announcement with Phakwe Gas in Richards Bay on Wednesday.
“I want to help the team achieve their goals, even me to score more goals. If I do that, I see myself back in Bafana if I score more goals. Because you can’t get credit if you don’t score goals,” Kutumela said.
Bringing loads of experience
The 31-year-old forward joins the Natal Rich Boys with loads of experience. He has played for Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Cape Town City recently.
Kutumela said he will not feel any pressure to deliver, but instead will impart his knowledge to the younger players.
“I will say that the pressure where I come from and the two big teams that I played for, the Orlando Pirates and Sundowns, is what I have to continue with and help the team win games,” he said.
“In my first season with Sundowns, I played well and won the treble. When it is time to go, there is nothing you can do. You can’t say ‘I still have something in me’.
Focus on winning at his game
“It is not about me but the team. If they feel that they don’t need you, you have to accept it and carry on with what you love, which is playing football.”
The Limpopo-born star also opens up about his former coach Rulani Mokwena’s shocking departure at Sundowns.
“Coach Rulani and I worked together at the Pirates, we worked very well. I then left to join Maritzburg United. Because our relationship was that good, he signed me at Sundowns.
“But regarding him leaving the club, when it is your time, it’s your time,” he added.
Mokwena was unveiled as the new Wydad Casablanca coach in Morocco on Thursday.
