Orlando Pirates attacker Fortune Makaringe is itching to get back on the field following the resumption of the 2019-20 season.

The Buccaneers will resume their campaign against Mamelodi Sundowns when the two sides go head to head in an expected entertaining Absa Premiership clash at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday.

The Buccaneers currently sit in fourth place in the league standings, with 40 points from 23 matches played, only four points behind second-placed Sundowns.

Makaringe, who has scored one goal and assisted a further three from 23 appearances in all competitions, is relishing the chance to resume play but says they will need to adjust to be playing without faithful supporters in the stands.

‘We are all ready and itching to get back to playing the game we love,’ Makaringe told his club’s official website. ‘It has been a while since we last played competitive football but fortunately, that time has finally come.

‘Preparations have gone well, nothing much has changed in how we prepare. However, to play without fans will take some mental adjusting on our part.

‘It’s been such a long time since we last played but I believe this break might have served us well, and we can use it to regain the form we had earlier in year.

‘I feel the pressure will be more on the teams above and not us as some have already written us off. So, we will play minus the burden that the likes of Chiefs and Sundowns will be carrying and this could work in our favour in the remaining matches.

‘On a personal level, I’m feeling very good. I’m raring to go. I enjoy playing big games and they don’t come any bigger than against Sundowns,’ concluded Makaringe.