Orlando Pirates winger Luvuyo Memela says he is delighted to be back in the squad after returning to the Buccaneers’ starting lineup.

The Buccaneers ended their six-match winless run in the Absa Premiership after claiming a 1-0 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic on Sunday.

The 30-year-old says he is grateful to coach Milutin Sredojevic after making his return to the Buccaneers starting line and winning the Man of the Match award.

“It was very tough, not easy and also hot. Especially for me as I haven’t played in a while. My last game was against Baroka, so it was tough and knew that we needed to win this game,” Memela told SuperSport TV after the game.

“But we played a lot of games, which helped me with my fitness. I’m happy for the guys and thankful to the coach for giving me the chance.”

Pirates have now moved up to second place in the Absa Premiership standing with 18 points, trailing log leaders Baroka by a point.

“I was excited, but I didn’t need to be very excited because sometimes it can kill you. I just told myself that I’m going to be simple, as the coach said be simple first and as the time goes play your game, which is what I did,” he added.

“I’m also happy for Thami [Sangweni]. I know he hasn’t played since the first game, so I’m happy we both did well and I’m happy we won.”

Orlando Pirates will next take on SuperSport United in their mouth-watering Absa Premiership fixture on 5 December, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30.

Photo: Frikke Kapp/BackpagePix