Orlando Pirates defender Thulani Hlatshwayo says he is finally realising his dream of playing for the Buccaneers a club that he grew up supporting.

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.

Like Deon Hotto, Hlatshwayo also spoke about contributing to the teams ‘rich history’ and to add to the team success during the upcoming season.

‘Growing in Soweto all boys dream of playing for either Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs. I come from a family where most people support Pirates, except my mother who supports Chiefs.

‘For me personally, I have always supported Pirates especially during the Kosta Papic era which had abo Tso Vilakazi, Joseph Makhanya and Lebohang Mokoena.

‘So, I can say it’s definitely a dream come true for me to be playing for this team, a team with such a rich history.

‘Our job now is to contribute to this history by getting the club back to where it belongs.’