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Cape Town - Ahead of this Saturday's Soweto derby, Orlando Pirates winger Thabo Qalinge has revealed that he has Kaizer Chiefs roots in his family.
The 25-year-old, who is yet to establish himself as a first team regular under coach Muhsin Ertugral, has struggled for form and fitness during his two seasons with the Happy People.
Since joining the club from Mpumalanga Black Aces (now Cape Town City) in 2013/14, the player has made just 10 league starts for the Buccaneers.
Qalinge missed out on his side's 2-1 win over Golden Arrows in the Telkom Knockout Round of 16 due to injury, however, he could make his return against the Glamour Boys on the weekend.
If he was to feature against the Premiership log leaders, it seems there could be divisions in his family about who to support.
'Section 10' told the club's official magazine that growing up he was encouraged to support Chiefs.
"I grew up in Mofolo, Soweto and the area is split between Pirates and Chiefs supporters. At home, my uncle supported Chiefs and everyone else is a Buccaneer, especially my mother.
"My uncle said I always must support Chiefs and so I did, but only so he wasn't alone on match day. I'm a Buccaneer, though, and being here at the club is just a homecoming for me."
