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Mpontshane up for Ovono battle

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane insists he is not threatened by the arrival Felipe Ovono, who has since been registered in the Buccaneers' CAF Confederation Cup squad.

The 21-year-old Equatorial Guinea international impressed at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, helping the hosts secure fourth place in the continent's showpiece football tournament.

Mpontshane, meanwhile, has only made two appearances for Pirates since joining in January, but the gloveman insists he is ready to meet the challenge head on, despite missing the chance to be a part of Pirates' team set to face CS Sfaxien in Group B action on Sunday.

"Honestly speaking, I have never been threatened by the arrival of Ovono, because I'm a confident goalkeeper and I believe in my ability," he told Football411 in an exclusive interview.

"In fact, I have a healthy competition with all Bucs' keepers, including Ovono, because we are all fighting for the same team's cause.

"The goalkeeper's position is a crucial one in a game of football, so one always has to be on their toes because one mistake costs a team, and in the next game you are out. So, despite my lack of game time as yet, but I will keep on working my socks off at training and wait patiently for my chance to come."

Besides Ovono, Mpontshane must also fight for the number-one jersey with current first choice Brighton Mhlongo, as well as Tshepo Gumede, with Philani Zikalala being recently loaned to Premiership returnees Golden Arrows.

"Pirates is a big team with huge support base and pressure. When I joined the team from Platinum Stars I knew very well that I would be competing with the best, which is why I'm not worried because I know my chance will come as long as I keep on working hard and being patient," Mpontshane continued.

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