Jayiya unfazed by stiff competition at Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs winger Bhongolethu Jayiya has called on his new teammates to rekindle the club’s glory days after two successive trophyless seasons.

“Everybody should be up for the challenge. At the end of the day, a big team doesn’t win anything these days because the competition in the Premier Soccer League is tough. So, we just have to work hard to bring back the glory days,” Jayiya told Goal.

The winger came through youth ranks at Bidvest Wits, scoring a brace on debut in a 2-1 win over SuperSport United in February 2011.

He has since donned the colours of Maritzburg United, Mpumalanga Black Aces and Cape Town City in his six years as a professional footballer.

After failing to agree a new deal with City, Amakhosi wasted no time in offering him a three-year deal, and Jayiya is already looking forward to the stiff competition at the club.

“Competition is something that’s there in every team you play for. So, whoever I’m competing with, it's only going to benefit the team,” Jayiya said.

He made 29 appearances in all competitions for the Citizens last season, finding the net six times in the process.

As he has never featured for the senior national side, Jayiya is not only thinking of becoming a regular for the Glamour Boys.

“Firstly, you need to make progress with your club before thinking about the national team. So, if the team is doing well and I’m performing well too, then a call-up to the national team will follow,” Jayiya concluded.