Matlaba sad to leave Orlando Pirates
The 31-year-old, who did not feature much for the Milutin Sredojević-led side in the past two seasons, was released by the Buccaneers in the off-season.
Thabo Matlaba (Chris Ricco/BackpagePix)
Former Orlando Pirates defender Thabo Matlaba has admitted that leaving the Sea Robbers has left him feeling rather sad.
Matlaba is set to begin a new chapter with Black Leopards in the new Premiership season.
The 31-year-old, who did not feature much for the Milutin Sredojević-led side in the past two seasons, was released by the Buccaneers in the off-season.
“It was a really sad situation. Leaving Orlando Pirates, a big team and a big brand in South Africa, they play in the Caf Champions League and it was sad for me to leave Pirates. As a player you need to know that players come and go, it is part of football so it was my time for me to leave,” he said.
READ: Pirates set to face Zambian club in Caf Champions league
“Some other players arrived at Pirates and they left and opened the space for us so it was time for us to open the space for the youngsters to play for Pirates. The national team needs young players. It was sad to leave but it is part of football,” he added.
Matlaba, who donned the captain’s armband at Pirates at some stage, says he did not get the chance to say his goodbyes to his former teammates as his move to Lidoda Duvha happened quickly but reveals he will forever be indebted to Pirates.
“I didn’t get the chance to say ‘guys I am leaving the team’. They just read in the newspapers that I am leaving but some of the players called me and wished me luck but I’ll say to them that I wish them the best of luck this season and they must win two or three trophies,” he said.
“I love Pirates and I will always be a Buccaneer. They deserve the a trophy, they have a good squad and they signed quality players for the coming season and I think they have the best coaches in the league,” concluded Matlaba.
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