Pirates midfielder reveals nerves before facing Sundowns

New Orlando Pirates midfielder Siphelo Baloni reveals that nerves took over before facing Mamelodi Sundowns in his debut back in September.

Baloni was lured to Pirates from the now-defunct All Stars after impressing Jose Riveiro’s men in the Nedbank Cup last season.

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The talented and gutsy midfielder says despite the anxiety, he relied on self-confidence as he managed to do well for the Soweto giants against Masandawana.

PIRATES MIDFIELDER ON NERVES BEFORE FACING SUNDOWNS

The Pirates central midfielder also explains that he tried to put more effort into ensuring that he doesn’t put unnecessary pressure on himself against Sundowns.

The Buccaneers hosted Sundowns in the DStv Premiership back in September and Riveiro handed the midfielder his debut.

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However, Baloni is the one who was adjudged to have fouled Themba Zwane in the box before Lucas Ribeiro converted from the spot to make it 1-0.

“I was nervous a bit but I told myself that it wasn’t the first time I played against Sundowns, I played against them in a friendly when I was still at All Stars,” says Baloni per Sowetan.

“I knew it was going to be different because it wasn’t a friendly anymore. I tried to make sure that I didn’t put pressure on myself, doing what I knew.

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“I said to myself ‘They must feel my presence because I am also good’. The nerves calmed down after I got the ball for the first time.”

BALONI ON JOINING PIRATES & FACING SUNDOWNS

In addition, the 24-year-old midfield enforcer says he didn’t expect to join the former CAF Champions League winners, Pirates.

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“I was surprised by the move to Pirates but I told myself that it was my time to shine. I said to myself, ‘Yes it’s a big team but what comes first is to believe in myself’,” he adds.

“In football, if you tell yourself that you are capable of doing this and that, nothing is impossible and you can do well anywhere.

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“I told myself that I am going to Pirates to have an impact. You must always tell yourself that you are good and by doing that, you’ll see things happening for you.

“Self-confidence is very important.”

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