Jabulani Shongwe played his first full league match for Mamelodi Sundowns when he turned up in an unfamiliar position at left back against Jomo Cosmos over the weekend.

The midfielder held his own in a position he was playing for the very first time in Sundowns colours and was not just pleased at playing well but also getting his full debut.

“I was very happy to finally break into the first team and play a full game, since I have been patiently waiting for this opportunity for a long time now” said Shongwe who also said it would have been much better if Sundowns had won the match.

Knowing his qualities in attacking positions Shongwe says he was shocked when the coach first told him that he would be playing at the left back position but had to welcome the opportunity afforded to him.

“At first when the coach told me that I would be playing in the left back position, it came as a shock to me because I have never played there for the Club, not even at training. The first thing that came to my mind was the comfort of knowing that the coach would never mislead me, if he believes I can play there then I have to repay his good faith with a spirited performance” explained Shongwe

The talented midfielder says the only time where he was called to the left back position was at National Team level during a match in Sudan, where his teammate got a red card, which then resulted in Shongwe temporarily occupying the left back position.

The 22 year old gave credit to fellow defenders, who he says helped him acclimatize to the defending position much quicker by communicating well throughout the match. He also says that his teammates told him to think like a defender and not as an attacking player on the day.

“I am very happy that the coach was pleased with my contribution to the team and I will work hard at training to improve certain aspects of my game in order to compete for a place in the squad” said Jabulani Shongwe.