Bidvest Wits captain Thulani Hlatshwayo shares his goals and ambitions for the new Absa Premiership season.

The Clever Boys managed to finish last season as runner-up in the Absa Premiership under head coach Gavin Hunt.

Hlatshwayo explained how important pre-season is to a footballer, insisting that whether you’re injured or not you still have to participate in training activities.

However, the defender insists that he is ready for the new season.

‘Pre-season has been great so far and everyone is working hard. As a footballer, you can’t miss pre-season. Even if you are injured there are parts of training you have to participate in and complete the pre-season along side your teammates,’ he said.

‘Everything is looking good. After a good break in Malaysia, I’m ready to start the new season.

The 26-year-old insists that this season the Students will go all out, in the hopes of clinching the Absa Premiership title from Mamelodi Sundowns.

‘Obviously, as a team we would like to do better than last season. Two seasons ago we finished third last season we finished second, and now all that’s left to do is win. This season we don’t have any excuses to try and not challenge for any trophy,’ he added.

The former Ajax Cape Town defender, who got injured close to the end of last season says he felt bad as club captain, for not being able to help the team further during their 2015-16 campaign.

‘On a personal scale, I am happy to be here with the team, knowing that I got injured at the end of the season and missed some vital games. It’s something that did not sit well with me and as the captain of the team, I felt I was absent when the team needed me the most,’ Hlatshwayo said.

‘I am not saying that I alone am Bidvest Wits because you could never play football on your own. I am grateful and happy that I have recovered, and with Gods grace and guidance I hope we can lift a trophy this season.’

The Wits captain feature in a total of 23 matches last season and netted three goals in all competitions.