Red Hot Vuyo Mere
Platinum Stars defender Vuyo Mere is currently in the form of his life, playing a vital role as Dikwena`s captain, creating chances galore and has also lead them to two titles.
The 30-year-old right back has arguably been the best player in his position in the PSL so far this season.
Mere had an interview with Sabie Chili, explains his impressive form, talks about the team`s achievements and reveals how faith has been a crucial part of his side`s success.
Personal Information
Full names: Vuyo Mere
Date of birth: 5 March 1984
Place of birth: Bloemfontein, Free State
Position: Right back
Club: Platinum Stars
Previous Clubs:
Hellenic
Mamelodi Sundowns
Moroka Swallows
Honours:
2005/06 & 2006/07 Absa Premiership champion
2007/08 SAA Supa8 champion
2007/08 Nedbank Cup champion
2013/14 MTN8 champion
2013/14 Telkom knockout champion
3 Bafana Bafana caps
Hi Vuyo, it`s been a brilliant start to the season for you so far. You must be delighted with how it`s going.
You know, it`s encouraging to hear those kinds of words from you guys. As a player you can say you`re doing well, but there is always room for improvement. I try my best for the team and, every time I go forward, I try to be involved in every move that we make.
Ja, and it`s always nice to see an attack-minded fullback.
I have to do my defensive duties too, and that`s what I work most on. For me, attacking in football comes naturally, so I`m trying to improve on my defending. Going forward is what I like, I want to create goals, and that`s what`s keeping me going. It`s not just the midfielders job to create goals, so I`m really satisfied with my input in the team so far.
Last campaign saw you guys finish second with you having a good season, but this time around you seem to have pushed on even further. Did you do anything different in pre-season in order to raise your game?
Last season we did well under coach Cavin Johnson, and now there`s nothing different being done. There is more understanding in the team now, that`s come with time, and I`ve been looking at myself more. I`ve been looking at my past games, which I didn`t do last season, and trying to rectify the mistakes that I made. This season I`m trying to look at the games and take on board the positives and work on my weaknesses.
How did it feel to lift the MTN8 and Telkom knockout trophies as captain of your team?
It was an amazing feeling. I lifted trophies with Sundowns but then I was just a player. This time I was the captain. It was great lifting them as captain because it meant a lot to my family and loved ones. It was such an honour to lead a PSL side to success. I was also very happy for the young boys in the team, and for them to taste the glory. It was a great feeling for me to help them do that. We are also lucky to have someone like Godfrey Sepuru (team physio) who organizes bible studies and sermons for the team, they really bring us together and it`s certainly working for us.
Ok, what makes Mere a special player?
Hahaha, you know, I don`t like to talk about myself, I prefer to let people talk about me. I don`t think I`m special in any way. I just focus on my strength and make sure that I look after myself and work hard. I always do what the coach expects from me while working on improving my game. I also adapt easily, which is why I never have any problems with any coach.
How much of a role in your success so far do you feel your faith has played?
To tell the truth, it`s really big and most of the youngsters are now starting to join in. When we started it, we told everybody that nobody was forced to come, that it was for the guys that wanted to come willingly. There were maybe five or six of us at first, but now half of the team comes, and it`s really helping us. Since we have started the sermons we have been very close as a team. Sharing a lot of things and learning from the bible gives us the chance to understand and appreciate each other. Faith keeps us going at Platinum Stars.
Who are the best dressers in the team?
Tintswalo Tshabalala and Solomon Mathe. They like dressing up in designer clothes like Diesel and Adidas. As for the worst eish…
All the best, Vuyo
Thank you.