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Football | Absa Premiership

Collins Mbesuma © Backpagepix

Mbesuma eyes ‘dream derby debut’



Collins Mbesuma is in line for a Soweto derby debut in Orlando Pirates colours, an opportunity that the bulky striker says he will make the best of.

Mbesuma holds a still-to-be beaten record of 25 goals back in the 2004/05 season while playing for Amakhosi before he moved overseas. Speaking to the Pirates website, the Zambian said he is hoping to register his debut derby for the Buccaneers with an unforgetable performance.

“I played against Pirates when I was at Chiefs but now I will have the opportunity to face my former team dressed in the Black and White of Pirates. There is no vibe that equals that of the Soweto Derby. This is definitely the biggest match in the SA soccer calendar,”

“Every player who dons the jersey of either Pirates or Chiefs knows that he carries the hopes and dreams of millions of supporters and because of that the responsibility to impress, becomes that much greater.”

“For players, this match is extremely important – it is broadcast all over the world and we have all to leave a lasting impression on those that will be watching the match. Fortunately, I have trained well and picked up no injuries, so I am ready to play.”

The Zambian talisman also appealed to the team supporters be patient with any player, as the derby is a very difficult match to play, particularly for the new players.

“We have guys who have never played this very important match before, so I would like to appeal top our fans to support us all the way so we can make this a special match. Our fans should be patient with us – we are prepared to win this match and we will fight until the last minute,” Mbesuma said.

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