Van Heerden comes ‘home’

Tshepo Ntsoelengoe

Orlando Pirates leftback Mark van Heerden (above) returns to KwaZulu-Natal’s Princess Magogo Stadium for the first time as a Pirates player when they take on Golden Arrows in the semifinal of the Nedbank Cup tomorrow, and the defender says going back to the 12 000-seater ground will bring back a lot of memories.

Van Heerden played at the stadium as an AmaZulu player during the KZN derbies against Abafana Bes’thende over the past few years. However, going into the weekend’s game, which is vital for the defender in a black and white jersey following a dismal campaign for the club in his maiden season with the Soweto giants, the 29-year-old is looking forward to the challenge against Arrows and wants to help the Buccaneers reach the final.

“The Princess Magogo Stadium was my home ground for a very long time, I have played against Arrows there in many derby matches. We all know Arrows are an exciting team with many talented players and a lot of pace up front,” he said.

“Going there will surely bring back a lot of good memories. But, in saying that now that I am playing for Orlando Pirates, I have to put all of that behind me and focus on the job at hand, which is to help the team get a win and go to the final.”

The Buccaneers have already beaten Arrows twice this season – 3-1 in a league clash and 2-1 in the Telkom Knockout Cup.

However, the KZN outfit will have the belief they can triumph over a top side, having beaten African champions Mamelodi Sundowns on their road to the last four of the competition.