I was not shocked

Tresor Yamba Yamba is no ordinary defender. He is strong, physical and difficult to beat aerially.

- 

Above all, he can also score goals. A former Red Arrows defender in the Zambian Premier League, he initially struggled to adapt to the Betway Premier League. But once he did, there was no stopping the defender who is also adept at playing as a defensive midfielder. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Thomas Kwenaite, Yamba Yamba reveals that he considered the goal he scored against Orlando Pirates just an ordinary goal, hence he did not see the need to celebrate. The 26-year-old defender also shares that Tshegofatso Mabasa is hell on wheels and a very difficult striker to play against. He also waxes lyrical about Sipho Mbule, claiming he has never seen an incredibly gifted player like him.

Thomas Kwenaite: Tresor, how did you feel when Amajita defeated DR Congo in the quarterfinals of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco?

Tresor Yamba Yamba: I do not know most of the players in the U20 squad because most of them are from the DR Congo and some play for smaller clubs back home. I don’t know how to say this… it was disappointing, but at the same time, I understand that in football you win and you lose. Congratulations to South Africa, who went all the way to become champions.

TK: Matthew Booth said that one of the best central pairings in the Betway Premiership was Daniel Cardoso and Yamba Yamba.

TYY: Who said that?

TK: Matthew Booth, the former Mamelodi Sundowns, Rostov FC and Bafana Bafana defender who is also an Olympian and a SuperSport analyst.

TYY: Ah, OK, that sounds very good. It is a good compliment, and I feel humbled. It is good to hear other people saying good things about you. I had never heard or read about those compliments, but I’m grateful. It will encourage me to work harder in order to live up to expectations. It is all about your attitude and your self-belief.