I'm able to smile again - Thulani Hlatshwayo

Hlatshwayo was speaking after winning United’s Player of the Season award at the club’s end of the season awards on Monday. 

After a tough spell at Orlando Pirates, the former Bafana Bafana captain has fitted like a glove at Amatsatsansa.

"Even [Matthews] Stan told me the vision when I came here. What he wants, what he's expecting of me around the team. That's why this really means a lot and I remember us having a previous interval before the season started and now I'm able to smile again and revive my career," he said.

United have finished in the highest position in the league since the 2011/2012 season when Gavin Hunt was still there during the first spell, and they are heading to the CAF inter-club competitions after finishing in the third spot. Hlatshwayo says he was part of the missing piece of the puzzle for Hunt.

"There were puzzles that were scattered and a guy like Gavin Hunt is able to put the puzzle together. That puzzle came together nicely. Looking at the characteristics of all our players because they are hard-working players. Knowing very well how coach Gavin Hunt is, I knew that I was the one that really needed to send the message to the players because I have worked with him [Gavin Hunt] before."