Firstly, congratulations for your various achievements thus far gents. What do you think is the main difference between the standard of soccer in Cape Town and where you are currently playing?

 

Brandon Leiching (BL): The amount of talent in Amazulu’s youth ranks is unbelievable. If a youngster shows a lot of talent, they give him a chance. No matter how young he is! However, to be chosen for the first team you have to perform consistently. I’m still getting used to the humid conditions here in Durban, but overall the main difference is the treatment of the players. It is much better here than in Cape Town.

Morne Nel (MN): The coaching. The coaches here at Supersport United allow you to express yourself and play your game. In the game against City, I was very confident because the coach told me to enjoy myself.

Ruzaigh Gamildien (RG): Definitely the faith shown in the players. In Cape Town, while I was at Santos, I kept wondering when I was going to be promoted. I mean I performed week in and week out, yet I was not promoted. When I came to Celtic, the faith shown by Clinton Larsen was amazing. I felt like a new player!

 

Why do you think you did not sign a contract with any of the professional teams in Cape Town?

 

B.L: Months before I left, I was given a chance with Vasco’s NFD team, but nothing came of it. I just kept training. No team formally approached me with a contract. Maybe they didn’t think I was good enough. But after the Bayhill, when other teams were interested, Vasco wanted to discuss a contract with me.

M.N: When Supersport showed interest in me, I knew that was where I wanted to be. I am still young so I didn’t get many other offers, but if given the chance I would have signed for any quality team that showed interest in Cape Town.

R.G: Teams in Cape Town drag their feet with contracts firstly and often they do not repay their youth or show the necessary faith.

 

What are your aspirations for the new season?

 

B.L: To make it into the first team. Craig Roslee (the coach of Amazulu) has previously shown faith in youngsters, so I believe my time will come. Until then, I will keep working hard.

M.N: I would love to be part of the first team at Supersport United. At the same time, I know it is going to be difficult, especially with all the stars they have. I’ll have to be patient and see.

R.G: This will be my third season at Celtic now. I’m aiming to become a regular. I also want to help my team finish as high as possible on the log.

 

Your career highs and lows?

 

B.L: The Bayhill tournament! It was my first time playing and although I was nervous I played well. Especially against Chiefs. There were a lot of people! My low? Has to be not signing for a professional team in Cape Town. That would have been nice. Being away from home is difficult!

M.N: When I went for trials overseas. But setting up Kermit’s goal against City after dribbling Yaya Toure has to be the best. Honestly, I have no lows. I’m enjoying my football.

R.G: My biggest highlight has to be winning ‘Man of the Match’ on debut for South Africa. Also scoring a great header against Pirates and helping my team to a memorable comeback. Not signing for a team in Cape Town or rather not being given the opportunity was a low.

 

Lastly, where do you see yourself in five years?

 

B.L: Hopefully playing overseas! And playing in the national team.

M.N: Starring in the midfield for Matsasansa (Supersport) and playing for one of the national teams. Bafana Bafana perhaps. I’m optimistic.

R.G: Playing in Spain or England and being a regular for the national team.