Motshwari: Emotions won't affect me against Wits

Cape Town - New Orlando Pirates signing Ben Motshwari says he will put emotions aside when he comes up against former club Bidvest Wits for the first time on Wednesday.

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The midfielder, who left the Clever Boys for the Soweto giants before the start of the 2018/19 season, admitted that his former club played a big part in his development as a player and will always have special a place in his heart.

Wits are at the summit of the Premiership table with six points after an impressive start to the new campaign while Pirates have collected four points.

Motshwari told his club website: "This is a team that groomed me to be the kind of player that I am today and for that reason they will always have a special place in my heart. However, I am a professional and understand that I have a job to do for Pirates and put my emotions aside.

"At the end of the day, it's not about me, the bigger picture here is Pirates and getting the job done over Wits in the league."

The 27-year-old midfielder made his official debut for the Sea Robbers in the penalty loss to Supersport United in the quarterfinals of the MTN8.

Motshwari added: "One cannot be happy after such a disappointing result. Especially if you consider how well we played on the night. On a personal level however, I am pleased to have finally made by debut for the club.

"Wearing that iconic Pirates jersey for the first time under the Orlando Stadium lights is stuff of dreams.

"This is only the beginning, I aim to build on this performance and look to play more consistently in the team.

"At Pirates you cannot relax for a moment because of the quality of players in the team. I welcome such competition though because it forces you to push yourself at all times - this can only make me a better player."