An integral part of the City midfield, Nodada has been a perennial figure in the team over the past two seasons, earning a number of Man-of-the-Match accolades and receiving wide acclaim for his workmanlike performances in the middle of the pitch.
His efforts in helping The Citizens reach the MTN8 final last year did not go unnoticed as he received a nomination for the MTN8 Last Man Standing award, a prize that was eventually awarded to SuperSport United goalkeeper Ronwen Williams for his contribution to his side’s victorious campaign.
With one foot in the final once more following City’s 1-0 semi-final first leg victory over Mamelodi Sundowns, the 2017/18 Cape Town City Player of the Season is now putting team glory ahead of personal recognition as he encouraged his team to show their worth on the field.
“I just want to improve on the things I did last year, help the team more, and win a trophy,” he said. “It’s nice to get Player of the Season and a nomination for the MTN8 Last Man Standing, but it doesn’t feel as sweet when your team as a whole doesn’t get to celebrate something together.
“So this season is about pushing the gents to realise how good we are as a team, and to have that arrogance as a team to deserve to be where we are and play like we deserve to be where we are.”
The 23-year-old then spoke of his partnership with Austrian teammate Roland Putsche, with whom he has excelled alongside in midfield.
“It’s been very nice,” he said of their partnership. “The understanding is there, and he lets me go forward often. He does the sweeping when I’m not around, so it’s been a good relationship, especially for the team. Roland is also an attacker so I get to rest when he goes forward, so it’s a nice relationship, and I enjoy it.”
Putsche remains a doubt for Sunday’s second leg after coming off second best in a challenge in City’s midweek 2-2 draw against Free State Stars.
Kick-off at Lucas Moripe Stadium is set for 15h00.