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Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns left-back Mzikayise Mashaba says he is prepared to play any position in the team as long as he is given a run in Pitso Mosimane's side.
The versatile 28-year-old has struggled for game-time in this season, with only two starts and five substitute appearances in all competitions for the Brazilians to date.
But Mashaba made his second start of the campaign in Sundowns' 2-0 victory over SAB Regional League side Mariveni United in the Nedbank Cup Last 32. He also came off the bench in their 1-1 CAF Champions League draw away to Uganda's Kampala Capital City Authority.
"I'm happy to have been given a chance in two recent games, most especially in that crucial Champions League game against KCCA," Mashaba told Vodacom Soccer.
"You know, I have been out for a long time because of injuries, but being given a run in two recent games has come as a motivation to me to double my efforts in order to be given the nod."
In the presence of left-back Fares Hachi against Mariveni, Mashaba played on the right wing, and he also featured in midfield when replacing Tiyani Mabunda against KCCA.
With the arrival of Hachi and Tebogo Langerman, means a starting berth on the left side of defence has become even tougher for injury-prone Mashaba, who longs to feature in Saturday's highly-anticipated Premiership encounter against Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium.
"Yes, the competition for a starting berth has become more stiff in the team's left-back position, because both Fares and Tebogo are quality players. But as a versatile player, I'm prepared to play in any given position in the team, as long as I make an impact in the team," he added.
"I know it's still going to be difficult to get game-time at this moment as I'm still fighting to rediscover my form and game-time.
"It's every player's desire to play in such a highly-anticipated game, and I'm no different. But the coach is the one to decide.
"We expect a tough game against Chiefs, but we are prepared for a battle because we need points at all cost in our remaining games to boost our chances of defending our league title."
