The former Platinum Stars centre-back joined the Soweto giants exactly a year ago, but has managed only seven league and cup appearances since then, after he was left out of their 2015 CAF Confederation Cup squad.
Gumede made his first league appearance this season, starting in Bucs’ 1-1 draw at home to Platinum Stars earlier this month, and seems to have impressed coach Eric Tinkler by securing his place in the backline since then.
“It’s a welcome relief [to be getting game-time now], I know I’ve been working hard but I know the quality in the team as well,” says the 24-year-old.
“Having been given this opportunity to play now shows how much quality we have, but the competition is healthy and it makes us better.”
The SuperSport United youth graduate has also explained how he handled his struggles to break into the team, but says he was always aware that there would be a process before he was eventually given a run.
“The time out wasn’t nice, but we all obviously know that there are stages to go through before we can break into the team.
“As long as the team is doing well, the harder it is to get a chance, but now that I have it I need to grab it with both hands,” he adds.
The Dobsonville-born centre-half could feature in his first competitive Soweto Derby this weekend, after featuring in last year’s Carling Black Label Cup, and says he is yet to feel the pre-match jitters considering the magnitude of the occasion.
“I’d say my emotions are normal like any other game but then again, on the day, it will depend on who produces the goods so I’m looking forward to my first competitive Derby.”