I spoke to Arcadia Shepherds Defender, Kagisano Maleka, about his time with the Pretoria based team. The Mamelodi born and raised player has been with the club since 2013, making him one of the longest serving members at the club.
Athenkosi Tsotsi: Your time in the club, how has it been and in what ways has it contributed to you, as a person and a footballer?
Kagisano Maleka: My time with the club has been quite beneficial to my development as a footballer. I've learned a lot in a short period and hopefully that will stand me in good stead in the future. Personally, I've grown and formed great relationships with my teammates whom I probably would've never met if not for Arcadia Shepherds and our shared passion for football.
AT: Considering the history of Arcadia Shepherds, how important is it for you guys in the change room?
KM: Every coach we've had has always been a part of the club from before we were there so they constantly remind us of the responsibility we carry to honour the badge and play with pride and passion.
AT: As a senior player, what are some of the values that you pass on to the younger players and the ones in your youth setup?
KM: I try to teach them to work as hard as they can. To make their dreams a reality. I remind them that ultimately they are the ones in control of how much they progress and that constant effort brings rewards, not only in football but in life.
AT: This season so far, how can you sum it up and what are the teams ambitions?
KM: The season has not gone well for us so far. The team's form has suffered in the last couple of months, but we are working every day in training to improve our performance level. Our ambition is to gain promotion and bring the club closer to where it used to be in the country's premier divisions.
AT: In football, in your career, what have been the highs and lows?
KM: The lows have been the defeats that I've suffered with my teammates and the injuries that I've suffered (a torn quad and a torn calf). The highs have been winning games, meeting exceptional human beings in the form of my teammates and all the coaches I've had. I'm grateful for everybody that I've met who's made a positive impact in my life.
AT: Going forward what are your personal objectives?
KM: I want to become a professional footballer, so I'll be working towards that until it happens. If it doesn't then at least I'll know I gave it everything I could to try and achieve that goal. Outside of football I'd like to give back to the country by doing philanthropic deeds (helping to build schools and clinics in areas most affected by our high poverty rate).
AT: For the club to reach the top again, what has to be done?
KM: We all need to work a lot harder on the training ground, we all need to put in a greater effort to take care of the stadium (as the municipality has given up its responsibility in that regard), and of course we'll need a bit of luck along the way. But the more you practice, the luckier you get. So the biggest thing is hard work, smart work, and more hard work.
AT: Thanks for your time, wishing you all the best going forward.
KM: Thank you for allowing me to say my piece on the club.
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