AmaZulu defender Thembela Sikhakhane says Benni McCarthy and his technical team played a huge role in Usuthu finishing second in the DStv Premiership last season, but the team needs to stay grounded going into the new season.
Usuthu surprised many with their performances in the league, and finishing second saw them earn in a spot in next season’s CAF Champions League.
Sikhakhane says McCarthy and co brought a great unity to the team, and the vibe at training was transferred to the playing field.
“Our coaches played a huge role obviously in our success,” Sikhakhane told the club’s website.
“The experience Coach Benni and his technical team brought was great. It was a work of unity and understanding. They taught us a lot. We all enjoyed working with them.
“The vibe at training was awesome last season. It was a lovely environment. Even when the coach would say let us call it a day after a session you would hear players moaning and wanting to keep going.
“The way training was such a great vibe, even when we had come from a 5-day off, after just 2 days the guys would be saying they miss training. That is how nice it was at training.”
“What made it all nice was that we were winning matches and could still enjoy ourselves at training. The coach made sure that we had fun and competing for places which is what made us perform.
“We must not be big-headed going into the new season because we are expecting a lot of things. Our supporters, management, and the whole of the Usuthu family are expecting a lot from us.
“If we can get some silverware and just do better than this past season it would be more than great. We must be able to pose a strong challenge this season. If we can start well and compete, things can fall into place hopefully in good timing.”
