Cape Town - Maritzburg United defender Siyanda Xulu
believes Team of Choice coach Fadlu Davids was responsible for his
return to form after his failed spell with Kaizer Chiefs.
Xulu has been in outstanding form for the Team of Choice and has a chance on Saturday to help the club secure the Nedbank Cup, when they play Free State Stars at the Cape Town Stadium.
The player struggled in his two-year stint where he had very little playing time under then coach Steve Komphela.
Nonetheless, the player has reinvented himself in Pietermaritzburg under the guidance of Davids. Giving credit to the 36-year-old mentor, he told the team's official website: "The reason I came here is for coach Fadlu. He reminded me of how good I am. It was a very rough patch for me, training alone, one can lose enthusiasm for the game.
"It's emotional for me to think back what has happened the last few seasons. The hype, the expectations of coming back home. All the bad stuff that was said about me, not doing well for Chiefs. Me thinking I was not given a fair chance.
"The call from Fadlu changed everything. He told me how he would suit me as a player. He told me to work hard and get back on my feet. He promised he would help make me one of the best defenders in South Africa again.
"It was one of my best decisions ever, for myself, for my family. It was a gamble, but one I was willing to take. For a long time, I didn’t have anyone tell me how good I am. So I took it as a challenge, to show myself I can do it, and it has worked out well for everyone."
The action gets underway at 19:00.