New Orlando Pirates midfielder Fortune Makaringe is relishing the chance of making his debut against Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Black Label Cup on Saturday.

The Buccaneers will renew their rivalry with Amakhosi in the eighth edition of the highly-anticipated Carling Black Label Cup encounter at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

Makaringe is delighted with his performance during the Buccaneers pre-season and thanked the club and their supporters for giving him a warm welcome upon his arrival from Maritzburg United earlier this month.

‘I am at home. They have actually welcomed me very well together with the other new players,’ Makaringe told the media.

‘I would like to thank the supporters as this Carling Black Label Cup is about them.

‘As soon as they (the club) announced (my arrival), the positive response the fans gave me made me feel like a Buccaneer as I have always wanted to be a Buccaneer.

‘So, having attended the two pre-season camps (with Pirates), things have gone well for me.’

The 26-year-old midfielder will be on the bench when Pirates take on Chiefs and he will be hoping to make his debut in what will be his first Soweto derby.

‘I’m hoping I will get a chance to make my debut against the rivals (Chiefs) because it is never a friendly match (when the two teams clash),’ he admitted.

‘Whether it is the supporters or coaches’ choice, I’m looking forward to the game.’

The match at the FNB Stadium kicks off at 3pm.