Veteran Durban City goalkeeper Ayanda Mtshali has opened up about his aspiration to return to the topflight of South African football, a dream that now appears closer than ever.
At the age of 37, Mtshali is poised to cap off his illustrious career with a triumphant return to the Premier Soccer League, as his club edges closer to securing promotion.
Durban City currently sits atop the Motsepe Foundation Championship standings with an impressive tally of 45 points. With just seven matches left to play in the season, the team enjoys a comfortable eight-point cushion over their nearest rivals, Kruger United.
This commanding lead places them in pole position to clinch the coveted promotion spot, which would pave the way for a long-awaited return to the PSL.
Speaking with Sowetan, Mtshali reflected on the prospect of achieving this milestone. “”Returning to the top flight would be a dream come true for me,” he revealed. The experienced shot-stopper has previously plied his trade with notable South African clubs, including Black Leopards, Free State Stars, and the now-defunct Bloemfontein Celtic, gaining a wealth of experience along the way.
His leadership and shot-stopping abilities have been instrumental in Durban City’s rise to dominance this season, inspiring both teammates and fans alike. While many players at his age may begin to consider retirement, the experienced shot-stopper remains eager to continue playing.
With just 14 more points needed for automatic promotion to the Betway Premiership, and only a few matches left, Durban City stays focused on their goal.
“I always tell myself that I still want to play, and my body and heart are in agreement with that. I come from a poor background, and that drives me to work hard for my family. I am still hungry to play and don’t think about retirement yet,” Mtshali stated.
“Honestly, we have a healthy lead at the top, but that doesn’t mean we can afford to relax. There is still a lot of football to be played, and we need to stay focused until the final whistle of the season,” Mtshali emphasized.
Despite his age, Mtshali’s passion for the game remains undiminished, and he is eager to add another chapter to his storied career. Known for his excellent reflexes and leadership on the field, the veteran keeper remains a crucial part of Durban City’s push for promotion.
With the team in a strong position and Mtshali’s experience guiding them, the prospect of a top-flight return is looking increasingly likely. If they continue their impressive form, it won’t be long before Mtshali’s dream of returning to the elite level of South African football becomes a reality.
For now, though, the focus remains on the present, and with every match, Mtshali’s resolve to help Durban City achieve their goal grows even stronger.