Thabo Matlaba of Orlando Pirates during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 game between AmaZulu and Orlando Pirates at King Zwelithini Stadium, Durban on 6 October 2018 © Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates pay tribute to ex-skipper Thabo Matlaba
There were no hard feelings on either side as Thabo Matlaba said goodbye to Orlando Pirates after a seven-year stay.
Thabo Matlaba of Orlando Pirates during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 game between AmaZulu and Orlando Pirates at King Zwelithini Stadium, Durban on 6 October 2018 © Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates effected a clear-out on Friday, which confirmed an end of an era -at least for former captain Thabo Matlaba.
The defender was one of the club’s longest serving players, having joined the then-defending league champions in 2012, flanking the defence alongside current skipper Happy Jele.
Having not accepted a pay reduction after falling down the pecking order, “Festival” opted to not take up a new offer presented by the club – instead opting to move on, bringing to an end a seven-year spell which began when he made a move from lowly Free State Stars.
Despite what may have been viewed as a sour end at the Buccaneers for the 31-year-old, Matlaba had some fond memories of his arrival.
“I know some people were asking ‘who is Thabo Matlaba’ and maybe some people undermined my capabilities after coming from a small team like Free State Stars. So playing like I did against Maritzburg also gave me opportunity to prove that I can play for a big team like Pirates,” he is quoted by the Pirates website.
Thabo Matlaba.
It seemed the feeling was mutual, as Pirates also had some kind words to share about the player.
“Pirates went on to secure the treble that year with Thabo playing alongside the likes of Benni McCarthy, Lucky Lekgwathi and Siyabonga Sangweni.
“Thabo went on to even captain the Mighty Buccaneers as well as play in both the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup finals; and also lift more silverware in the form of the Nedbank Cup in 2014.
“There are no words to fully express the gratitude towards Thabo’s contribution at the Club and even though he has featured less on the field in recent seasons, he remained a positive and influential member of the squad.
“Thank you for the wonderful memories Festival!”
Orlando Pirates
The Buccaneers are expected to announce a host of new signings in the coming days, including defenders Bongani Sam and Tebogo Tlolane from Bloemfontein Celtic and Chippa United, as well as Fortune Makaringe and Siphesihle Ndlovu, both from Maritzburg United.
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