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Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs striker Gustavo Paez says he's thriving under the tutelage of Amakhosi head coach Steve Komphela.
The 27-year-old Venezuela-born striker arrived at Naturena in January this year.
After initially being eased into South African football by Komphela, Paez has enjoyed more regular game-time while becoming an increasingly important player for the team and also scoring four well-taken goals (three of those in the Nedbank Cup).
Paez says that with stiff competition, he found it a challenge to earn a place in the team, but also found good support in his fellow front-men.
"It was tough at first because we have at least seven or eight strikers at the club," he told the Star.
"We are all friends but we also know that everybody has to fight for a place in the starting line-up. Also, it's a battle to be on the bench as well."
He then went on to explain that he feels he has the perfect coach in Komphela, and has also bonded well with his Glamour Boys team-mates.
"Coach Steve Komphela is a very intelligent man. He knows how to bring out the best in me.
"When I started out here, he played me for about 20 minutes to help me settle in the team and get my confidence going.
"That is what I needed initially. I started scoring and making a greater impact for the team. I now feel I'm ready to play for 90 minutes. I have a greater understanding as to what my role is at the club.
"My team-mates are passionate, they're motivators," Paez pointed out. "I'm confident my play will be much better too."
The Glamour Boys welcome Golden Arrows to the FNB Stadium on Saturday night in an Absa Premiership clash as Komphela's men will be hoping to keep pace with the front-runners in the league.
Kick off is at 20:15.
