Charting own path
NEW SIGNING: OF COURSE THERE IS PRESSURE BUT ONE NEEDS TO FOCUS ON THE JOB AT HAND
New man says he is grateful for what Chippa did for him.
Orlando Pirates’ new signing Thamsanqa Sangweni says he knows the pressure that comes with wearing the shirt of a big club like Pirates and he says wants to work hard to ensure he adjusts to playing with his new team-mates.
“This is a new start for me. I am looking forward to the new season with the players at my side. They have welcomed me warmly and thanks to my brother Siyabonga I had an idea of what to expect when I joined,” said the former Chippa United midfielder.
“Of course there is pressure but one needs to focus on the job at hand which is to play the best football and try to win all our games,” he added.
The 28-year-old revealed that his brother, who was a defender at Bucs and is now retired, was influential in his decision to sign for the club. Siyabonga spent a few years at Pirates and won several trophies before injury forced him into retirement at 35.
However, with Siyabonga having achieved a lot at the Buccaneers the younger Sangweni says he wants to make his own history with the team and help get the team back to its best.
“He was there when I sat down with chairman Irvin Khoza, which really helped me. He has done well for himself at the club but that is his own story and I’m very proud of him.”
Sangweni joined the Buccaneers after his contract with Chippa United ended at the end of last season.
The midfielder has also had a spell with Mamelodi Sundowns. He says his time at both Chippa and Sundowns have really taught him a lot and he would be looking to put his experience at both clubs to good use at Bucs.
“You gain a lot of experience from every team you play for. When I was at Sundowns I learned a lot of things and I played with quality players. I used that experience when I got to Chippa and now that experience I will use here.
“I’m thankful for everything the people at Chippa did for me. I will forever be grateful to the club. Right now I just have to focus on this new chapter in my career with Pirates.”