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Malajila finished third in the race for the Golden Boot in South Africa’s Absa Premiership and is set to move from modest side Maritzburg United to giants Mamelodi Sundowns next season.
He has only been in South Africa for one-and-half season but his work rate and natural instincts in front of goal have made him an increasingly sought-after commodity.
The 27-year-old bagged 10 goals in the just-ended season, and was only three shy of Golden Boot winner Katlego Mashego of Moroka Swallows who pocketed R25 000 for the achievement.
Despite missing the accolade, the former Highlanders and Dynamos striker yesterday said he was still aiming for better performances in the future.
“Hard work is the hallmark of my career. I have been putting all my effort in everything and I believe there is still room for improvement.
“Right now we are in the off-season and I wouldn’t want to be thinking about anything else and burden myself by setting targets that would later put me under pressure. I just need to relax and when all is set for the new season that’s when I would start thinking about the Golden Boot and everything else.
“I cannot discuss in great detail what I am aiming to achieve without having kicked the ball first. It’s every player’s dream to win something in his career,” said Malajila.
The forward is expected to conclude a deal with big-spending Sundowns, who also have Zimbabweans Nyasha Mushekwi, Method Mwanjali, Lionel Mtizwa and Esrom Nyandoro in their books.
Malajila is ready to fight for the new challenges if the deal materialises as he will have to fight for places with an array of players like Mushekwi, Richard Henyekane, Katlego Mphela, Edward Mannqele and Liberian Anthony Laffor.
Reports from South Africa indicate that Sundowns have also opened negotiations with the winner of the Golden Boot, Mashego.
“I cannot say much about the move to Sundowns because it’s something that hasn’t been finalised yet.
“Maybe I will go or I may not but all I can say is every player needs challenges in his career. If I can be recognised by a club like Sundowns, I am ready to take up the offer,” said Malajila.
Malajila was recently included in the 25-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Egypt this Sunday and Guinea next week.
He had last featured for the Warriors in October last year, in the Afcon qualifier final round against Angola under Rahman Gumbo.
He will join Knowledge Musona (Augsburg), Simba Sithole (SuperSport United) and Roderick Mutuma (Bloemfontein Celtics) in the strikeforce.
“I am happy to return and be part of the national team. My hope is to make meaningful contributions for the success of the team.
“Football has challenges but it all needs commitment. The focus now is on the coming match against Egypt. Of course, they are a very good side and they have everything to play for but we also need to deliver at home.
“So it looks very interesting,” said Malajila.
Warriors’ forward, Khama Billiat, may also see himself donning the Sundowns colours next season if the Brazilians agree terms with his club Ajax Cape Town.
Ajax chief executive George Comitis yesterday told KickOff that they are willing to sell Billiat to Sundowns, but only if their asking price is met.
The Zimbabwean attacking midfielder still has a year left on his contract with the Urban Warriors, and Comitis said whoever wants him will have to dig deep.
“Billiat still has a year left on his contract and if Sundowns want him then they must pay for him,” he said.
“Money talks, he is still our player, and so far we’ve not been formally approached by Sundowns.”
Online Reporter