No ill feelings for Gordinho

New Celtic hero out to build on debut

In the wake of his shock loan switch from Kaizer Chiefs to Bloemfontein Celtic, defender Lorenzo Gordinho says he holds no grudges against Amakhosi.

When Chiefs announced last week that Gordinho would be turning out for Celtic for the remainder of the season, some of the club’s fans registered their dissatisfaction, especially on social media, about Gordinho’s departure which saw Kabelo Mahlasela joining the Soweto giants in a separate deal.

However, the defender has stated that he is not feeling hard done by.

“I am not feeling bad at all. Chiefs are my club and I still have two years left on my contract, so I hope that I will return there at some point. At this stage my focus is on Celtic.

“I am willing to work for this team [Celtic] and support it,” Gordinho, 23, told Sowetan yesterday.

“I will continue to work hard so that I can cement my place in the starting line-up. My target this season is to play as much as I can and help the team finish in the top four.”

The lad from Benoni in Gauteng has already won the hearts of Siwelele faithful. The Celtic fans were cheerfully chanting and singing songs about him in his debut where they beat Lamontville Golden Arrows 2-1 at Dr Molemela Stadium at the weekend.

“I was very humbled to hear the fans singing about me. I am grateful to Celtic and I appreciate the support from the fans. The way the team welcomed me was amazing. I am feeling at home,” said Gordinho, who had played six league games for the Glamour Boys this season.

The centre-back will be eager to build on his solid debut when Celtic visit in-form Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday (8pm).