Orlando Pirates midfielder Fortune Makaringe has explained the reason behind his joining the Buccaneers instead of Kaizer Chiefs or Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 26-year-old joined the Buccaneers from Maritzburg United after his stellar performance to help the Team of Choice avoid relegation during the 2018-19 season.
Makaringe will be on the bench when Pirates take on Chiefs and will be eager to make his debut in his first Soweto derby.
‘It wasn’t an easy decision,’ Makaringe told the media.
‘But as soon as Pirates called, I felt I had to respond because I knew the rich history this team holds. And for me to be chosen by Pirates meant a lot. I know that Orlando Pirates doesn’t just choose anyone – there are too many players out there that want to play for this club. So as soon as they come, you have to respond.’
New @orlandopirates signing Makaringe reveals he always dreamed of being a Buccaneer. pic.twitter.com/M07Bv7nFm2
— Dean Workman (@DeanoWorks) July 25, 2019
Makaringe, who was part of the Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations squad that made the quarter-finals, says he joined Pirates to improve his game against some of the best players in the Absa Premiership in the hope of earning another call-up to the national squad.
‘I only grew from that. And one of the reasons I came to this club because I will get to compete with the best and that will only improve my chances of playing for the national team,’ he added.
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 on Saturday, with kick-off set for 3pm.
