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Cape Town - Orlando Pirates' newly-signed left-back Nkosinathi Mthiyane says it is a dream come true for him to join the Soweto giants.
The 28-year-Mpangeni- born full-back, who can also play the left midfield role, was one of the outstanding players in the Chilli Boys
side last season, being instrumental in Dan Malesela-coached side in finishing sixth in the Absa Premiership standings.
"I think it's every PSL player's dream to play for one of the Big Three in the PSL, same with me as I have finally realised my dream of joining Orlando Pirates, the team I grew up admiring," Mthiyane told Vodacom Soccer.
"Even before I joined AmaZulu from National First Division side, Thanda Royal, Pirates were amongst the teams that were keen to sign me. But I joined AmaZulu because at the time I felt I was not yet ready to play for big team like Pirates."
Mthiyane made his Premiership debut in the 2013/14 season at AmaZulu, having had an impressive 2012/13 season in the National First Division side Thanda Royal Zulu, scoring 14 goals and becoming the league's joint top goal-scorer.
"I have been warm welcomed by my Pirates' team-mates since becoming part of the team's preseason training camp. I already feel at home here at Bucs, and am earnestly looking forward for the beginning of the PSL season," added Mthiyane, who will be competing for Bucs' left-back berth with the likes of Thabo Matlaba, Ayanda Gcaba and Patrick Phungwayo.
"What also encourages me is that Coach Muhsin (Ertugral) has told me that he knows my style of play, and has because now I'm at Pirates.
"He also told us, the new players, that he signed us because he believed in our abilities, so we will have to convince him with our work rate."
Mthiyane is hoping to don Bucs' colours for the first time against arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the 2016 Carling Black Label Champions Cup encounter on July 30 at FNB Stadium.
Kick-off is at 15:30.
