Sefako Matlala is one of the exciting prospects in the DSTV Premiership this season. At the age of 23, Matlala’s future looks bright.
On Tuesday against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, the talented left footer made his professional debut for TS Galaxy. The 23-year-old sat down with TS Galaxy website to discuss his meteoric rise.
TS Galaxy (TSG): How does it feel to finally make your debut?
Sefako Matlala (SM): It feels good that I’ve finally made my debut even though I was scared a little bit but the coach told me to relax and do what I know. That gave me confidence going in to the game.
TSG: How did you handle the news that you were in the starting eleven?
SM: I was excited and at the same time a little bit nervous but the coach explained to me why he selected me to start the game.
TSG: You didn’t look scared, how did you yourself calm down?
SM: When I got in to the field I was very calm. I knew that I had to be myself and do what I know. That’s exactly what I did. It helped me a lot during the game. My teammates also guided me.
TSG: Tell us about your goals and objectives.
SM: My goals are to cement my position in the team, get a regular starting berth and contribute positively in the team. That’s what I want to achieve this season. If I can achieve that and then I’ll be happy. I’m willing to do more than I did in my first game.
TSG: How did you feel about your performance against Sundowns ?
SM: I’m satisfied with my performance against Sundowns but there is always a room for improvement. I’m not happy that we lost. I would have been more happy if we won the game. But we will get there.
TSG: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
SM: I want to see myself plying my trade abroad. This is my biggest goal. My dream is to compete in the Uefa Champions League. That’s where best players compete. It is very competitive and I want to reach that level.
TSG: What do we need to win games?
SM: I think we need to convert our chances. We are creating goal scoring opportunities but we are not converting them in to goal. If we can convert our chances and then we will start to win games.
TSG: How confident are you that we will emerge victoriously in Cape Town?
SM: I’m very confident that we will get three points. We are in desperate need of these points. We know that it won’t be easy but we will give our all to win this match.