Former Maritzburg United striker Yannik Zakri is now with Iraq side Naft Al-Wasat SC where he seems to be enjoying his football.
The forward has started 2 games and has 1 goal and an assist so far in the Iraq Premier League.
“Here, i’ts more speed. I like the league and they have good players,” Zakri told FARPost.co.za.
Zarki, 28, opened up about his time at Maritzburg for whom he scored 3 goals in 24 appearances last season, before being deemed surplus to requirements.
“At Maritzburg, it was a good time, with the players and coaches. Soccer sometimes you have your bad moments and I think at Maritzburg was a bad time for me about my football.”

Zakri said things were better at Ajax Cape Town where he played regularly after being sent on loan by Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2017/18 Absa Premiership campaign.
“My time at Ajax was very good. I enjoyed every moment there and my football was good even the coach (Mushin Etrugral), president and the fans were happy. I was really happy,” reminisced the Ivorian.
He mentioned that he’s probably not going to play in SA again.
“About coming back to SA, I’m not sure if it’s gonna be a good idea. I am fine and happy here so I don’t think leaving this place is good,” said Zakri.
“The most important thing in football is to be happy and enjoy your football and here, it’s exactly what I wanted, but Sundowns is home,” he added.
By Amahle Siphungu