Kaizer Chiefs forward Ashley du Preez has explained how he protects himself from negativity.
A tough run of recent form for his club has not deterred du Preez, who remains determined to keep his mind focused on what matters most to him and to help his team finish the season strong.
Amakhosi have endured a challenging period as they were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup by rivals Orlando Pirates last weekend and are looking like missing out on CAF Champions League action as well, as the DStv Premiership nears the end of the 2022/23 season.
But they do still have a shot at some African competition representation as they push for a third-place finish on the log and potential qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.
This weekend’s match against SuperSport United at Royal Bafokeng Stadium is a must-win clash for Amakhosi otherwise Chiefs won’t be able to close the four-point gap.
But despite the noise around the club, Du Preez is remaining focused on the bigger picture and his personal goals after netting nine goals and setting up five more in his debut campaign.
“As an individual you can’t be dwelling on other things,” De Preez said, as per Vlismas Media.
“There is negativity all around, but as a person you need to remain fully focused. What I do is just keep thinking about what I can do to help the team.
“That’s my approach going into games – thinking about how I can provide for the team.”
Du Preez added that he has dreamt of playing for a club at the highest level like Chiefs since being a kid.
“It starts as a young kid. I always wanted to play on this big stage,” he added.
“The desire, love and hunger I have for this game is what keeps driving me and my goal to want to go even further in my career.
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“It keeps pushing me to give my family a better life. That’s what motivates me the most.
“A big club like Kaizer Chiefs helps me. Everyone here pushes you and you can see what the club is capable of doing for you as a person.
“As an individual I want to play for big clubs like this one, and to keep moving forward in my career. That’s the most important thing for me.”
The 25-year-old has featured in 30 games in all competitions for Chiefs in his first season, scoring nine goals in the process.
After the SuperSport game, Chiefs, who are third on the table with 44 points from 28 matches, will close off this season next week Saturday against Cape Town City at FNB Stadium.
