Life at Melbourne Victory is agreeing with new goalkeeper Tando Velaphi.
Life at Melbourne Victory is agreeing with new goalkeeper Tando Velaphi.
The 23-year-old made his debut in Victory’s 1-1 AFC Champions League draw against Tianjin Teda in China after crossing from Perth Glory.
Given the chance by interim coach Mehmet Durakovic, Velaphi impressed between the posts and was pleased by both his own and the team’s performance away from home.
“I hadn’t played in about two months so there were a few things here and there that could have improved,” Velaphi said.
“Overall the team’s performance was most pleasing, I thought I slotted into the team OK. Hopefully with more games we can work on that and improve week by week.”
Velaphi believes he’s thrived in the new environment Victory provides and hopes that translates to his performances on the field, while also revealing he’s living with fellow newcomer Isaka Cernak.
“There’s been a few changes, but all the boys and the coaching staff have been fantastic,” Velaphi said.
“I’ve just come into a new club, but there’s been plenty of support to make the transition nice and smooth. I’m living with Isaka, we’re settled in nicely.”
Quizzed on the differences between his new and former club, Velaphi said: “Obviously the ACL is a massive competition and the intensity at training.”
“That’s a big thing, the training wasn’t as intense at Perth and here it’s a lot more. Every session you have to be focused and that’s important.”
Victory is preparing for the return ACL match against Tianjin Teda at Etihad Stadium on April 20, with Velaphi confident the club can gain a valuable three points.
“I think we probably could have snatched the game in the end, they were pretty wary against us to start with,” Velaphi said.
“So if we can go in there with that sort of confidence that we took into last game and back it up on Wednesday week at home it-s a good thing for us.”
