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Cape Town - Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo admits that he found it tough watching the Buccaneers while he could do nothing to help them when he was out for five months.
The 25-year-old suffered a serious knee injury just as he was enjoying himself, making the number one jersey his own with solid performances in the Absa Premiership and the CAF Confederation Cup.
Mhlongo finally made his return, for the first time since his injury in August, to help Pirates beat University of Pretoria 2-0 on Wednesday with a Man of the Match display.
"It was frustrating, given the fact that I was gaining confidence and momentum with my performances," Mhlongo said.
"We were doing well as a team, doing well in the CAF Confederation Cup.
"I just told myself that Siyabonga Mpontshane and Felipe Ovono will do the job because we are all equally talented goalkeepers.
"Whoever gets the nod has to worry about making the team proud because at the end of the day it's not about an individual or the name at the back but the badge in front.
"Once we start saying, it's about me, that's why the team struggled because I wasn't there. It's not going to work.
"I believe that the guys have done exceptionally well, given the fact that Ovono used to travel alone in the Confederation Cup. He did well.
"I have always said that I would always support whoever is given a chance. I'll just keep working hard so that when I get the nod I'll just raise the bar. It creates a healthy competition in the team.
"It's better for the coach because it helps him when we are fighting for one course instead of fighting against each other. We are competing to win trophies for the team.
"It was frustrating but at the end of the day I am glad it's over. I am glad that I am back."
