New signing comes with fire in belly
Bucks ropes in young talent for now
NATIONAL First Division outfit Mthatha Bucks have bolstered its squad with the acquisition of former Stars of Africa Football graduate Pule Maraisane.
The attacking midfielder who returned to South Africa after stints with Tourizense in Portugal, Swedish side GAIS Goteborg and Leftke Turk Spor Kulubu in Cyprus has signed a three-month contract with the Premier Soccer League hopefuls.
Amathol’amnyama signed the well-travelled 22-year-old former Amajita star from the Cyprus outfit.
He was on the bench in Bucks’ 2-1 win over NFD newcomers Real Kings FC at the Mthatha Stadium at the weekend.
He might make his debut away to Mbombela United at the Kanyamazane Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday as the Eastern Cape side continues its quest of finishing in the top three.
He told the Daily Dispatch yesterday that he hopes to help the team qualify for the playoffs and eventually gain promotion to the Premier Soccer League.
Bucks are fifth on the log with 32 points after 21 games. They are only four points behind second-placed Black Leopards and 12 behind log-leaders, Thanda Royal Zulu, who are likely going to gain automatic promotion.
Maraisane said people had been asking why he had joined Bucks.
“My contract ended in December and I was supposed to go back to Portugal but the deal did not work out. I did not want to stay at home and decided to join Mthatha Bucks because the NFD is competitive just to keep the fitness and the tempo.
“I only signed a three-month contract with Bucks, so I don’t expect that I will play because I also got here late with the team already assembled.
“I am fit now. They welcomed me very well and the coach knows me. What’s left now is game time,” he said.
“People were asking me why Mthatha Bucks, but it’s football. At least I will get game time and the fitness level is still there.”
The Soweto-born player is under no illusion as he knows he will not walk into the starting lineup.
“I am working hard everyday in training and I need to continue working hard and earn my place and not think just because I am coming from Europe, I will walk right into the team,” he said.
Coach Ian Palmer described Maraisane as an exciting player who has added value to the team.
“He is a creative player. A very intelligent player who is also very strong on the ball. He will definitely give us more options upfront.
“We will need his creativity. He is fit to play but we were just waiting for his international clearance,” said Palmer.
“He is a quality player who has added value to the team. But we will see when we can introduce him.”
Maraisane admitted that his objective is to go back to Europe. Failing which, he would love to play in the PSL.
But until his contract expires, the skilful player is committed in helping Bucks qualify for the playoffs.
“To be honest, I have been pushing very hard for the team to do well and for me to make a difference when I do get a chance to play.
“We still stand a chance of qualifying for the playoffs, so every day at training I’m working hard. I don’t want to relax and say I’ve played in Europe so the coach must play me.
“I need to work hard, earn my place and the coach’s trust. But at least, he’s seeing something in me. I just need an opportunity just to go out there and prove myself in a match,” he said.