Orlando Pirates striker Justin Shonga expressed his delight at scoring his first goal for the club in their 2-0 victory over Platinum Stars.

The 21-year who opened his account with a sublime header against Dikwena says he is happy that his hard work is paying off.

‘I’m pleased to finally be off the mark for my team,’ he told the club’s official website.

‘It feels really good because I’ve been working hard and pushing myself. My team-mates have also been pushing me and the coaches have shown faith in me by giving me game time so I just had to deliver. I’m very happy.

‘The coaches are good because when they show trust they go all in. They constantly tell me that ‘I can do it’ and they back that up by giving me the opportunity.

‘I have to repay that faith with my performances. I’ve settled down well into the new surroundings and have quickly adapted to the team’s style of play, thanks largely to them,’ he added.

When quizzed about the similarities between him and former Bucs legend Denis Lota, the striker highlighted his respect for Lota.

‘I can’t compare myself to Denis Lota, what a player! I have a great deal of respect to what he and other Zambian players did for this club and for Zambia as a whole.

‘For me, the important thing is to honour him in my own way because football back then was a bit different to how it is now. What’s consistent though is the need to work hard, I just need to keep pushing.

‘I know that if I can get close to what he did then I will be happy and leave a similar legacy, but I also know that if I get close to his goal tally, then maybe I can even pass that record number. But it needs work and dedication.

‘I give credit to all the Zambian footballers that played for this Club. The Denis Lotas, the Isaac Chansas. They gave their best and now have good reputations and a strong legacy.

‘They have showed everyone that Zambia has talented footballers and it opened the door for guys like me,’ he concluded.

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix