Cape Town - Orlando Pirates latest attacking sensation Yusuf Maart admits he was delighted to have made his first-team debut.
The Atlantis-born attacking midfielder made his bow for the Buccaneers in their 3-1 victory over EC Bees in the Nedbank Cup on Saturday after starring in the Multi Choice Diski Challenge this season.
His seven goals during the course of the reserve league campaign, highlighted the Sea Robbers technical staff of his precocious talents - during his first season at the club since joining from a SAB Castle League side in Cape Town.
"I'm happy to have made my debut and to have carved out some space for myself," he told the club's website.
"I had mixed emotions. I was excited and nervous at the same time... excited because this was a dream come true but also nervous because of the weight of expectation.
"This is not an ordinary jersey; many great players have worn it and many of them have left their mark and I would like to do the same one day.
The 21-year-old went on to thank new head coach Kjell Jonevret for allowing him to feature in the senior team.
"Overall, I am thankful for the opportunity that the coach gave me and I look to build on this milestone."