Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic believes that Zambian forward Augustine Mulenga will be a huge asset to the club.

The Buccaneers fended off competition from Al Ahly and Wydad Casablanca to secure the services of the highly-rated forward during the recent January transfer window.

Sredojevic insists that he had followed Mulenga’s career closely and is delighted that the Zambian forward decided to join the Soweto giants, despite interest from Europe and northern Africa.

‘I belong to those people on the continent who not only love African football, but also witness how kids are growing on our continent‚’ Sredojevic told TimesLive.

‘And I remember him when he was with Nkwazi FC‚ and have seen how he played in the Champions League with Zanaco.

‘I have followed him‚ even when he has had the hardest thing in his life when Zambia played Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier. I don’t know whether you have read this – God forbid, he lost a kid‚ a daughter.’

The Pirates mentor continued to say that Mulenga will be of great value to the club’s attacking department.

‘He had many destinations to choose from. I know clubs in France wanted him‚ clubs in north Africa. But he chose to come to us,’ he added.

‘We are welcoming him in our family. And the Orlando Pirates football family has a very accommodative big space and big heart for everyone.

‘And we expect that with the amount of talent shown in the last match where he played against Ivory Coast in Chan [when he netted a brace]‚ that South African football lovers are looking to see something in that fashion.

‘His arrival as the best player from Zambia at present is an asset to our [SA] football‚ an asset to us as a team. And we are looking that he will add value to the team,’ Sredojevic concluded.

The former Zanaco forward is yet to make his debut for the Buccaneers as he is in the process of finalising his paperwork.