Platinum Stars veteran striker Henrico Botes insists he is fired up for the upcoming season after making a returned to Dikwena recently.
The 36-year-old turned out for Dikwena from 2007 to 2014 before going to Bidvest Wits. The former Namibian international is now back with the club upbeat and rearing to go, reports the Platinum Stars website.
‘I have been welcomed nicely. I know a lot of people at the club. It’s been great the week and a half that I have been back. I am looking forward to a new season,’ Botes said
‘There are guys who are still here from the time when I was here the likes of Vuyo Mere, Solomon Mathe, and Sibusiso Mosomi. The same team spirit and culture are still here. It feels like I never been away. Hopefully, we can make good memories again.’
Botes is confident that the team coach Cavin Johnson has assembled will do better in the Absa Premiership this season. The Namibian striker is also relishing the prospect of competing and working with younger players at the club.
‘My role is much more than just playing. It’s guiding youngsters. There are a lot of talented youngsters at the club this time around. As senior players we got a big job to try and guide them in making Stars competitive,’ he added.
‘Last time when I was here, there were a lot of experienced players than youngsters. This time, around there is a lot of youngsters. There’s a lot of excitement. We just need to get the right combinations together.
‘I think this is the step in the right direction. The club has promoted eight youngsters. That says a lot about the team. There are not a lot of teams in the PSL that can boast and say we have promoted youngsters and giving them a chance. Johnson is a coach known for giving youngsters the opportunity to play without pressure.’
Botes still believes that Dikwena is ambitious enough to clinch the Absa Premiership title and he insists that Stars can do better than last season.
‘In terms of hunger, the flame is still burning. I could have said I have had enough and joined development ranks. I had an opportunity to do that but I think I can still give a lot to football in South Africa,’ the striker said.
‘Stars is an ambitious club and I am here to do my small contribution. I am looking forward to a great season. Whenever I get a chance to play, I will definitely be putting my best foot forward. We have to improve from last season. We are taking it one step at a time starting with the MTN8.’
Image: Platinum Stars website
