Winger Meshack Maphangule says he will put personal feelings aside and do the business when Orlando Pirates face his former team Black Leopards in an Absa Premiership encounter tonight.
The Buccaneers have endured a dismal start to their campaign having won only one of their opening four games thus far in the league campaign, in addition to being eliminated from the MTN8 at the hands of SuperSport United.
The Soweto giants will be looking to extend their 15-year unbeaten record against Lidoda Duvha and the clash represents a bit more than just three points for Maphangule.
‘It is always special to face your former team. Leopards gave me a chance to play professional football and I enjoyed my time while I was there. They will always have a special place in my heart,’ Maphangule told the Pirates official website.
‘I expect it to be an emotional affair. I wouldn’t be human if I felt otherwise – these are people I used to live and play with, my brothers in arms.
‘If I am selected to play on Tuesday, I have no option but to do the business for my new team, Orlando Pirates.
‘We have not had the best of starts to the season and as much as I have a special connection to Leopards, I have to get on the field and do the job for my new club, fans and teammates,’ he said.
‘I’m happy here. Obviously, one cannot come to a team like Pirates and expect to just walk into the starting line-up. It’s a big team, so the environment is completely different from what I am used to but getting some early minutes has gone a long way to help me settle,’ he added.
The 27-year-old also alluded to the fact that teams raise their game when coming up against the likes of Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns respectively.
‘I want to do my part to contribute positively towards the team and whether I play or not, I am hoping that a win against Leopards on Tuesday night will be the catalyst we need to turn our fortunes around.
‘I remember from my personal experience whilst I was still at Leopards. When we played against big teams, we always wanted to prove ourselves and show how good we were because such games are viewed as an opportunity to improve your career by showing the big clubs that you are good enough to play for them. The exposure on TV in these matches is a big opportunity for players to market themselves and I expect the same to happen on Tuesday,’ the 27-year-old told Bucs’ website.
‘Leopards have always been an attacking team, so I expect them to come at us. The fact that they are playing against a big team will not deter them at all. They will not hold back.
‘They will attack each and every time they have the ball and they will look to press us hard in the hopes of forcing defensive errors from us. I expect an open, high-paced and exciting match. It will not be easy but this is exactly the type of challenge we need to get our campaign back on track,’ he concluded.
The two sides do duty at the Peter Mokaba Stadium tonight with kickoff set for 7:30pm.
Photo: Pirates official twitter account
