The former Dynamos star arrived at Naturena with a huge reputation to live up to. However, the midfielder missed Chiefs' opening two league matches through injury and has just returned to training.

Although he admits to being surprised by Chiefs interest in him, the 21-year-old says that it could all have been so different for him.

"I had already received offers from several clubs, including Black Leopards," he told Soccer-Laduma.

"I was surprised to receive a call from Bobby Motaung, who informed me that coach Ted Dumitru was impressed with my performance and progress at Dynamos and wanted me to join Kaizer Chiefs."

Mathebula conceded that he used look up to John 'Shoes' Moshoeu as a youngster and is hoping to learn a lot from the Chiefs veteran.

"I used to watch Shoes Moshoeu when I was younger and never thought that I would be in the same team as him," he said.

"Playing and training with Shoes mean I now have the opportunity to learn a lot from him and I now have the ability to develop as a player."

Despite being new to the Chiefs set-up the youngster says he has his whole career still ahead of him and is adamant he will not take a back-seat to another player and will be looking to cement his place in the side.

"My career is still pretty young," he added. "I have survived the initial pressure and I intend pushing for a regular position in the starting line-up.

"I don't see myself as a replacement for anybody, but rather as someone who will set a trend for others who come after me to follow.

"I have every reason to believe in my talent and to be successful."