Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba has reflected emotionally on his journey from growing up in Venda and Soweto to finally making his senior debut for Amakhosi.

The 18-year-old has come through the club’s youth ranks and finally made his debut for Amakhosi in their defeat to Chippa United.

The shot-stopper also made his first start for the senior team and played the full 90 minutes at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Mazhamba admitting the support from the club’s fans helped calm his nerves on the big stage on his debut.

“I’m a boy from a village in Venda who grew up in Soweto. That’s where I started playing football,” Mazhamba told his club’s official website.

“I joined Kaizer Chiefs when I was 13 and today I made my debut for the senior team. To be honest, I am so happy and grateful. I really appreciate the opportunity that the Kaizer Chiefs Family have given me.”

“When I was told I would start I was a bit nervous, this being my first call to step onto the big stage.

“I thought to myself that I have been doing this for seven years and it’s just another match and I must produce my A-game.

“The cheers I got from the supporters when I took to the field immediately gave me confidence to think, ‘Boy, you can do this, the fans are with you. Just play your game and enjoy it’.”