Bruce Bvuma has opened up on his change of fortunes at Kaizer Chiefs, having started the season down the selection pecking order, to now emerging as Nabi's preferred number one.
The 29-year-old had a disappointing start to 2024/25, missing the first 10 matches across all competitions, with new signing Fiacre Ntwari manning the last line of defence.
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However, he has since earned the favour of Nabi and his technical team, playing ahead of Ntwari in all of the Soweto giants' last three matches.
Speaking to media at the club's training base in Naturena on Tuesday morning, Bvuma spoke candidly about his time on the bench and the accompanying lessons.
"Of course, I'm happy that I am playing again. I had to be patient, to work hard, and wait for my opportunity to come," reflected Bvuma.
"Obviously, it doesn't make things easier when we are losing and conceding, but it's part of the game.
"But the pressure doesn't get to me because I have been here, I know how things work. I just have to keep working hard and [for us to] work well as a team," he said.
Sitting seventh on the Betway Premiership table after 11 matches, Amakhosi players are under intense pressure, something Chiefs' academy product is well aware of.
"The pressure has always been there, whether we are winning or losing.
"I knew it before coming to this team. I knew there is pressure. Every player at Chiefs knows that there is pressure, so this is something we all have to find a way of handling," Bvuma added.
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His introduction has somewhat decreased the flow of goals going into the Amakhosi net, with the Leratong-born star having conceded twice in his three appearances so far.
Chiefs cross swords with Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium on Wednesday.
Kick-off is at 19:30.