Matlaba feels honoured to lead Pirates

Cape Town - Thabo Matlaba says wearing the captain's armband on occasion for Orlando Pirates is something he will be proud of for years to come.

Matlaba has in the past captained the team in the absence of club skipper Oupa Manyisa.

While admitting the role comes with challenges, the Bafana Bafana left-back says it's something he will always cherish.

"It's always an honour to captain this big team, but it also comes with pressure. It comes with responsibilities as well," the former Free State Stars player was quoted saying by SoccerLaduma.

"But it was a privilege and an honour to lead this team. And it was good a thing and something I will share with people for many years to come. I will tell them that I was once the captain of Orlando Pirates. 

"It's a difficult role because when you lose matches you have to lead by example and motivate other players. If the guys feel down you have to lift them up and push them at training," he added.

Pirates return to league action when they travel to Bidvest Wits on February 3.

Kick off is at 19:30.