Kurt Lentjies is a man who likes a challenge.

The ever-smiling player, who joined Celtic from Maritzburg United, says he joined Bloemfontein Celtic because he wants to win trophies for the club. Chairman Jimmy Augousti has made it clear that he wants the club to win a trophy and break into the top four position next season and Lentjies sees that as a good challenge for the rest of the team.

“It’s nice to join an ambitious club that wants to win trophies. If the players have the same attitude and they work hard at training, and follow the coach’s instructions day-by-day and on match day; I think we can surprise a lot of people. Celtic haven’t achieved much in the past few seasons and I see that as a great challenge for me as a player. You don’t want to join a team like (Orlando) Pirates who have won almost everything in the past two seasons, but you want to join a club that hasn’t won anything but is willing to achieve things,” Lentjies tells bloemfonteincelticfc.co.za.

“Unlike clubs like Pirates, (Kaizer) Chiefs and (Mamelodi) Sundowns, I believe we have what it takes to reach our targets for the season because there is not too much pressure on us. Personally I’m determined to help Celtic to win cups by bringing my quality to the team. I think coach Clinton (Larsen) brought me here because he saw something special in me. I’m positive I’ll add value to the club, and if I could play my part I think I’ll help the team to achieve everything they need to. I love Celtic and I wouldn’t mind finishing my career here,” he says.

“My primary goal is to lift the trophy and make as many appearances as possible next season. I also want to score more goals and have the most assists in the League. I’m well aware that competition for places is tough in the team but I’m willing to work hard for my jersey. Nobody will walk straight into the starting line-up. Everybody will have to sweat blood for his position,” he adds.

Lentjies says he is willing to play any role in the team as he is a versatile player.

“I’ll be more than ready to play any role that would suite the club the best. If the coach wants me to play on the right channel I’ll do that, if he wants me to play on the left flank I’ll do that; and if he wants me to play behind the strikers I’ll do that. Whatever the role coach puts me in I’ll play it with a smile on my face. Football is my life and whatever I do on and off the field I have to smile. You know, in life you need to be happy and have that warmth. I’m always smiling and can’t change it, because that’s how I’ve been brought up,” he says with a smile.

The Cape Town-born midfield maestro makes it clear that he can’t wait to play in front of Celtic supporters.

“Every time people talk about Celtic supporters I have goosebumps. These are indeed exciting times for my football career. I have always wanted to play in front of Siwelele as their player. When I signed a Celtic contract I told myself that I want to win trophies for the club and put a smile on the supporters’ faces.

“It’s going to be exciting for all new players in the team to have a 13th player on our side when we play. Some of us were not used to playing in front of capacity crowds week in and week out. So we are looking forward to the new season.” Lentjies concludes.