Ovono influenced by Khoza

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Felipe Ovono has revealed club chairman Dr Irvin Khoza played a major part in his decision to join the Buccaneers in the recent transfer window.

The 22-year-old had numerous clubs lining up for his services after an impressive showing for Equatorial Guinea at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations back in January.

Ovono was eventually poached by Pirates, though, signing from Equatorial Guinean Premier League side Deportivo Mongomo, and the shot-stopper said he wanted to gain experience on the continent before making the leap to Europe.

"I did my homework properly and, when the [Pirates] chairman Irvin Khoza showed interest in me, I knew which team deserved my services," Ovono, who is set to stand between the stick's for Sunday's CAF Confederations Cup Group B clash at Zamalek, told Soccer Laduma.

"I am 22-years-old and the time to play in Europe will come. Pirates, like Raja Casablanca, Al Ahly, Zamalek, TP Mazembe, Al Merrikh, Asec Mimosa and Kaizer Chiefs, are top teams on the continent and it makes me proud to be playing for one of these teams."