Bruce Chikuni
VENDA Football Academy have trusted Warriors midfielder, Tatenda Tavengwa, to lead from the front in this campaign.
Tavengwa played with the captain’s armband in their opening fixture of the campaign in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, which ended in a goalless draw against JDR Stars.
This is now his third season with Venda Academy, a side which gave him his first foreign breakthrough.
This was also the first time in which the former CAPS United anchorman was trusted with this role in his playing career.
Tavengwa was under consideration among several suitors, including Kaizer Chiefs, during the off-season break.
Tavengwa feels he has now put the window period drama behind him.
The 26-year-old said he was overwhelmed with the new responsibility.
“I enjoyed every piece of last season, I think it was my best because I managed to keep going even when it was difficult to remain in my lane.
“Many things are expected from us, as a team and, as an individual, I’m also challenging myself to do better than what I did last season.
“I’m still a Venda Academy player, it means I have to fight for this badge, my focus is here, and I’m not thinking about what could have happened,” said Tavengwa.
He added:
“I’m happy to be trusted as one of the boys in our camp who are going to be leading the team.
“It really means a lot to me and it also pushes me to work extra knowing there is someone who is expected to follow my footsteps.
“It’s something which I never expected, it really came as a surprise, I never expected this, because it’s actually my first time to be tasked with this role.”