Share

Mhlongo up for Bucs challenge

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates’ Brighton Mhlongo says he is ready to step up to the plate and make the goalkeeping position his own.

Mhlongo has been tipped as the man to fill the big boots vacated by Senzo Meyiwa following the keeper's tragic passing.

The 23-year-old could face his first test when Pirates take on SuperSport United in a Telkom Knockout semi-final game at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday night, and he says he is ready for the challenge.

“It will be good for me. I have waited for an opportunity to play and now it looks like I could start, but we have a lot to graft still before the coach decides who to play,” Mhlongo told the club’s official website.

“I have been preparing myself really well for the opportunity to play here. Mentally I am prepared – in the development Prof Augusto Palacios prepared us nicely to stand pressure. So, I am prepared to play."

Mhlongo continued: “It has not been easy for us as a team, but we have gone through various phases of accepting Senzo’s departure and we are focused again.

“It will be difficult to match what Senzo did here, but I know I have something different to offer to the team and to the fans.

“I am not putting myself under pressure, because I know I will have to go through some tough times here before the supporters welcome me like they did to all the other guys who were successful goalies here."
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE