New Orlando Pirates defender Thulani Hlatshwayo says he felt it was the right time to join the Soweto giants as he was ready to make the move after parting ways with Bidvest Wits.

The 30-year-old has long since been linked with a move to the Buccaneers and after it was confirmed that Wits sold their PSL status to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) in June this year, Pirates pounced at the chance of signing the Bafana Bafana captain.

‘Tyson’, as he is affectionately known, was officially announced as a Pirates player on Monday when he joined the club on a long-term deal alongside former Wits teammate Deon Hotto to end months of speculation about his future.

Hlatshwayo revealed that the Soweto giants previously tried to lure him to Soweto on numerous occasions but the influential defender is delighted to have ‘finally’ joined Pirates.

‘Thank you for the welcome. It means a lot to me and my family. I am delighted to have finally joined Orlando Pirates Football Club,’ Hlatshwayo told his club’s official website.

‘Yeah, for sure. That word will be used a lot. This is an honour and privilege to be here because I know how long the club has been after my services over the years. Unfortunately, the club was not able to sign me for whatever reasons but thankfully now I am here, and I have both Bidvest Wits and Orlando Pirates management to thank for that.

‘I have said before that one day I would like to join Orlando Pirates. I am happy, that day has finally come.

He added: ‘Honestly speaking, there were other teams that were after my services, but out of respect for them I won’t mention them, but as I’ve said earlier, I’ve always wanted to play for Orlando Pirates and, secondly, the club has been after me for a long time now.

‘Obviously, growing up in Soweto, one always dreams to play for one of the big teams and to play for Bafana Bafana. The timing was just right. I felt I was ready to make the move.’