I went in with no expectations

When TS Galaxy unveiled Junior Zindoga as their new striker, many wondered whether the forward could step into the shoes of Dženan Zajmovic, who had just departed after an impressive goal return. Zindoga, however, is focused on writing his own chapter with the Mpumalanga-based club. Fresh from a serious injury, the 28-year-old has already made his debut for The Rockets and is eager to embrace the good pressure that comes with playing for a team that constantly rebuilds yet continues to punch above its weight. In this interview with Soccer Laduma’s Delmain Faver, Zindoga opens up about his first impressions of coach Adnan Beganovic, the excitement of lining up alongside Galaxy’s young attacking talents, and his personal goals for the season. He also reflects on the bigger picture, from chasing double digits to his dream of playing in Europe.

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Delmain Faver: Junior, first of all, we would like to say thanks for speaking to us and also say congratulations on your move to TS Galaxy. How is your fitness?

Junior Zindoga: Thank you. I mean, you never know in life, but I’m okay. I think I’ve now recovered from a serious injury. Mentally, I’m also in a good place. I've started playing now and made my debut. I think everything is going according to plan. And then a new team and new environment came along. It’s a really good team with really good players and a really good coach. And I’m just trying to make the next step in my career.

DF: Why did you join TS Galaxy? Obviously, as you said, it’s also a team that has to rebuild every season, unfortunately. What have you found there?

JZ: I think they have such a good football model that even when a new player comes in, you don’t struggle with adaptation. I think that also comes with learning the new system and understanding how the team plays. It gives you that little bit of pressure, but the good kind of pressure where you find yourself in different situations. This shows you the level that you need to play at to be a professional. When you get into the tactical side, you have to understand the model. But also, being in a team that sells players gives you an opportunity, knowing that if you perform well, you could reach the next level.

DF: What are your early impressions of coach Adnan? Most players we have spoken to have spoken very glowingly about him. What do you make of him in these few days or a few weeks of working with him?