After making his much-awaited debut for Richards Bay, Lesotho international Katleho Makateng says he had goosebumps before the game but was not surprised that his coach Sifiso Dladla handed him his first start.
Makateng, who scored 20 goals for Lesotho Defence Forces last season, told the Lesotho Football Association (LEFA) media that the DStv Premiership was a totally different level.
Richards Bay played a goalless draw with Marumo Gallants, and Makateng believes it was not a bad start for him to get a point.
The slippery Likuena striker lasted 67 minutes before he was substituted for Siyanda Msani. Although it was not a scoring debut, he says it was a good experience and is convinced he will grow and improve in the next game.
“Of course, I had goosebumps before the match, and it was not a surprise that the coach decided to have been in the starting lineup,” he said.
“The pre-season games I played after arriving at the club helped me a lot in settling into the team and building my confidence for the start of the new season,” he continued.
The 23-year-old said he hopes to continue scoring for his new club. “The target as a striker is to continue to score goals. I know it’s a different league and different environment to where I was in the previous season, but I will continue to work hard to achieve my goals,” he said.
The Natal Rich Boyz face Sekhukhune United in their next fixture on Saturday. Management has set them a target of 35 points this season to ensure they keep their top-flight status.
By Tlalane Phahla
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