With a few months left on his contract with SuperSport United, experienced defender Thulani Hlatshwayo has his work cut out for him, as he needs to perform consistently well on the field in order to earn an extension with the Tshwane-based club. The injury he sustained towards the end of last year did not help his case. But he is back on the pitch now and ready to inspire Matsatsantsa to a strong finish this season, with a CAF Champions League spot and the Nedbank Cup title still up for grabs. Soccer Laduma’s Tshepang Mailwane spoke to the 34-year-old about making a return from injury as he discusses being sidelined through injury. The former Orlando Pirates defender also talks about why he was worried about his contract when he was out nursing his knock.
Tshepang Mailwane: Hola Tyson, it’s great to have you with us this week. You were out with an injury for about three months, and you returned not so long ago. What was it like being out for that long?
Thulani Hlahtshwayo: It was a heavy situation. It challenged me mentally. If you look at it, I’ve never had a lot of injuries. It was hard for me to deal with it. I am left with a few months (of the contract) at SuperSport. Mentally, it was so difficult. Yes, you will have setbacks and Ramahlwe Mphahlele said to me after we played AmaZulu, “You came back as if you never left”. For me, it’s how you take care of yourself. We have a lot of youngsters in the team who make us run daily, which I really love so much. I am happy to be back and I am happy to do what I love.
