Vilakazi ready for Notwane spell

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Tuesday July 23, 2013 00:00

 

This is a first for a local team.   Vilakazi will become the first big name South African player to ply his trade in this country. While some football followers might argue that Vilakazi is finished, his name can draw attention to local football. With his vast international experience, he might also contribute to the development of the game in this country. Speaking in an interview on Sunday evening, Vilakazi who has featured for top South African teams like Orlando Pirates and Sundowns, said coming to play in Botswana is not about making money for him, but about his passion for the game. He said he is only coming here because he shares the Notwane chairman's dream, especially about youth development. He revealed that Mogami shared his vision and this is why he decided to join the team. 

The midfield dynamo feels that the plan that the team has come up with is good. To him, it is clear that Notwane wants to achieve something and he wants to be part of that dream. 'I am here to help the team to achieve their goals,' he said.  Vilakazi and other Notwane recruits will be unveiled to the media during a press conference on Wednesday.'I am here to help the team to achieve its dreams,' he said, adding that his experience will be helpful to the team. He said he will also be guiding young players.

Vilakazi said he has heard about Notwane's colourful history and would like to take the team to its glory days.  'I am prepared to fight for Notwane to take it to its glory days,' said the widely travelled midfielder. 'I  am confident that we will do wonders. They must watch us at the end of the season. But I am not saying we are going to win a cup,' he said. 'We need to come together,' he stressed. He said if there is any personal glory for him, he would be grateful to the coach and chairman.

At 30, Vilakazi known as the 'Little Napoleon' because of the manner he commanded the midfield, still has what it takes. In his view, he is not yet finished and this could signal a new beginning for him.  'I believe that there is a new chapter. People should give me a chance,' he said.Vilakazi made his name playing for Orlando Pirates. When he was playing for Pirates, he was a regular for the South African senior national team. He left Pirates to play in Europe where he joined a Denmark team, Aalborg BK. When he came back from Europe, he joined Mamelodi Sundowns. However, he never sparked at Sundowns leading to a move to Mpumalanga Black Aces and then Black Leopards. Before joining Notwane he was at Swazi side, Malati Chiefs.

Joining him at Notwane will be former South Africa Under-23 coach, Ephraim 'Shakes' Mashaba as the club seeks a new direction under a new owner. Plans are also at an advanced stage to bring Brazilian coach Roberto Da Silva, to take over of Notwane's youth development.