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Cape Town - Sibusiso Vilakazi, who is in fine goalscoring form for Mamelodi Sundowns, believes that the tough times he has endured at the club have helped him grow.
Having signed from Bidvest Wits in 2016, Vilakazi has found himself with some stiff competition in the Brazilians' ranks.
The forward has played just 14 games in his first league season at Chloorkop, scoring four goals.
This season, he has fared slightly better in terms of game time, netting four times in 16 appearances.
Vilakazi scored a brace in Sundowns' 3-1 win over AmaZulu and 16 days later was on target again in a 2-0 win over Rayon Sports.
"It’s good that I had to start slowly and gradually build myself into the team, but mostly importantly put yourself in the team and at the same time contribute," the in-form forward told KickOff website.
"I was coming into a team that had talented individuals and a team that is winning trophies. Up to now, I am enjoying myself, and I think that’s the most important thing.
"It was important for me to focus and to contribute because it’s not about me, it’s about the team. The coach [Pitso Mosimane] gave me an opportunity and gave me support time and again.
"My teammates were there for me through the difficult times, but I like the challenge of going through the difficult times. You are able to find yourself during the difficult times."
Having featured for South Africa during their Four Nations games against Angola and Zambia, Vilakazi will now set his sights on Sundowns' Nedbank Cup quarter-final against Cape Town City on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 15:00.
