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Cape Town - Orlando Pirates midfielder Gift Motupa isn't overly concerned by limited playing time at the club because he knows his situation can only improve.
The 21-year-old has been used sparingly by coach Eric Tinkler, who would prefer to ease the player signed from National First Division (NFD) side Baroka FC into the first-team fold.
He admits that he wasn't surprised when the Buccaneers came with a five-year contract for him to sign.
"I deserved it," Motupa told Vodacom Soccer.
"I had been working hard for it to come. I wasn't over-excited when they signed me, I was just happy because I want to achieve more.
"I want to win a league title with Pirates. That's why I am not bothered by not playing much. I am happy whenever I am given a chance to play.
"I don't care how many minutes I get because in football every seconds counts. I am happy to get those minutes."
Motupa is currently in the national Under-23 camp, preparing for the CAF Under-23 Championships, which kicks off in Senegal later this month.
The tournament serves as qualifiers for the Olympics. Motupa hopes that the two goals he scored for the Under-23s in a practice match are just the start of many more goals to come in national colours.
He netted a brace for South Africa's Under-23s in a 2-0 win over Tanzania's senior national team on Tuesday in a practice match at Eldorado Park.
"To score goals, for every player means a lot. It meant a lot for me too, even though it was a training match," Motupa added.
"I am happy that I managed to help my national team to win. But that doesn't mean much. Doing well in Senegal is the ultimate task. I just hope that these goals are the start of many to come."
