Sikhakhane wants to win trophies at Pirates

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates full-back Thembela Sikhakhane has outlined his ambitions, revealing he is hoping to lift a "major PSL trophy" at the Soweto giants.

The 23-year-old right-back made a dream move to Pirates from Lamontville Golden Arrows during the pre-season transfer window, and has since made three appearances in Bucs' three matches to date.

"When I signed on the dotted line for Pirates during the pre-season I said to myself 'the time has come for new challenges for me'. You know, it's every soccer-fond youngster's dream to play for a team of Pirates calibre," he told Vodacom Soccer.

"This is my fifth season playing professional soccer, having made my PSL debut in 2012/13 season from the amateur ranks.

"And I was still yet to lift a trophy as a professional player before winning the National First Division title with my former team Golden Arrows in 2014/15 season.

"Now I'm at Pirates, one of the PSL's big teams with big support base, whose supporters want nothing but trophies in every season.

"I have had a taste of cup victory by lifting the First Division trophy at Golden Arrows, but obviously the First Division trophy can't be compared to major PSL trophy.

"And that's exactly what I have come for here at Pirates - to win major trophies. Because this is a title-challenging team. We may have lost out in the MTN 8 cup, but I'm fully optimistic that this season we have what it takes to win a trophy," enthused Sikhakhane.

"There is always a stiff competition for a starting-berth at Pirates team, and I'm always giving my utmost at each and every training session to get the nod in the day-match team.

"So far I've made two starts and one substitute appearance, and am more than prepared to work even harder to establish myself at Bucs' experienced defence."

With Jele being gradually converted to centre-back, Sikhakhane has been playing in his usual right-back position so far. In Bucs' 2-1 victory over Ajax Cape Town last Tuesday, Sikhakhane replaced Edwin Gyimah in the second half, prompting Jele, who had started at right-back, to switch to centre-back.

Currently leading the Premiership standings, Bucs host Cape Town City on Tuesday night at Orlando Stadium, Soweto.

Kick-Off scheduled for 19:30.