Polokwane City midfielder Jabulani Maluleke says he turned down an offer from Orlando Pirates last season because Rise and Shine have been good to him.

The Soweto-born player opened up in an interview on SA FM’s Sport On show about turning down the Pirates offer, while also touching on his disappointment about not having been capped at least once by Bafana Bafana.

Maluleke said that he discussed the offer with his father and while he would have loved to have played in front on his hometown club, he decided to remain loyal to the club which has been so good to him.

‘It’s true that I received an offer from Pirates last season but I had a conversation with my dad and we decided that I stay at Polokwane City because they have been good to me, even though I would have loved to play in front of my people in Soweto,’ said the midfielder.

The 37-year-old is one of the longest-serving players in the PSL with over a decade in South Africa’s top flight, but despite being one of the league’s most-consistent performers he has never had the chance to represent South Africa in international football.

Last season Maluleke scored four goals and registered nine assists for Polokwane City in 26 league matches, but still was not given a chance with Bafana.

‘I am actually disappointed that I don’t even have one cap for Bafana. It hurts, but what can I do? There were times when I felt that I was in top form, including last season,’ he said.