Sibusiso Vilakazi armed with new contract and ready to lead Sekhukhune in Africa

Vilakazi was speaking to SABC Sport about the renewal of his contract after having joined Babina Noko in March this year and now he has been retained for the next season. Vilakazi made six appearances in the Dstv Premiership and scored one goal for Sekhukhune after he was released by TS Galaxy at the beginning of the year. Now with Brandon Truter’s side having exercised the one-year option on him, the 33-year-old is relishing this chance.

"So, now having had these incredible people [Sekhukhune United] come to you and still give you a contract and show faith, of course, one has to appreciate the confidence they have in you," he said.

After helping Sekhukhune finish seventh on the log and qualify for the 2023/2024 MTN8 tournament, Vilakazi also knows that he will have to help the team achieve more next season. As a veteran of over 14 years in top-flight football, the Meadowlands-born attacker doesn’t underestimate his influence in the dressing room.

"And hoping that you can help the team get better strides in the league. Help the team improve. Help the young ones believe also. You have a bigger role to play now since the team has shown confidence in you in rewarding you with a contract. But as I said it had to be myself also saying I want to play and I want this contract," Vilakazi explained.

A veteran of six consecutive seasons in the CAF Champions League group stages with Mamelodi Sundowns and some bit of continental history with Bidvest Wits as well, Vilakazi is a perfect leader for Sekhukhune in CAF inter-club competitions. And he says they have been inspired by the run of Marumo Gallants, who exited the tournament in the semi-finals last year.

"Having seen Marumo go all the way to the semifinals, it was a beautiful story. They were able to surprise us. Surprise us in terms of putting themselves in a good space, playing good results, and finding themselves believing that they can do it. They even made us believe that they can even reach the final. Maybe for us, we need to engage with them and find out how it happened. I always say you learn even from the opponents."