I took that as a wake-up call

Just last season, Athini Magokolo was playing his football in the Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League, and a few months later the winger is making his mark in the top-flight of South African football. The 21-year-old winger joined AmaZulu FC at the beginning of the season from JDR Stars FC and has already scored four goals in 10 matches across all competitions. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Siya Gijana, Maqokolo opens up about his promising Betway Premiership debut season, sensational performances, transfer hiccup, how he plans to escape bad habits which destroyed the careers of past football players and more.

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Just last season, Athini Magokolo was playing his football in the Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League, and a few months later the winger is making his mark in the topflight of South African football. The 21-year-old winger joined AmaZulu FC at the beginning of the season from JDR Stars FC and has already scored four goals in 10 matches across all competitions. In this interview with Soccer Laduma's Siya Gijana, Maqokolo opens up about his promising Betway Premiership debut season, sensational performances, transfer hiccup, how he plans to escape bad habits which destroyed the careers of past football players and more.

SG: Siya Gijana: Greetings Athini, compliments of the New Year. How was the Africa Cup of Nations break for you?

AM: Athini Maqokolo: Thanks, same to you. The break was good for me because I was able to be with my family even though it was a short period of time. Kuyafana ukuthi i break angibanga nayo (It’s the same as I didn’t have a break) because even at home I was training hard. Now that we have returned (from holiday to prepare for the season), I'm continuing my training.

SG: Firstly, congratulations on making it to the Betway Premiership. We know it’s every player's dream to make it to the highest level of South African football, especially for you because last season you were playing in the Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League. What does this move mean to you?

AM: It feels like a dream come true and I’m grateful to God for granting me this opportunity. My duty is to work hard and guide the team to achieve its ambitions.

SG: What are the club’s objectives for this season?

AM: Our goal is to at least win some silverware this season. My ambition is to become one of the Top Goal Scorers in the league, earn U23 national team call-ups and score more goals.

SG: You joined SuperSport Soccer Schools at a very young age and now you're here. What can you say about your football path?