Johannesburg - Going to the Rio Olympics was both a blessing and a curse for Orlando Pirates defender Tercious Malepe.
The trip afforded him the opportunity to be a part of the squad that represented South Africa at the world’s biggest sporting event, having last qualified back in 2000.
But the downside was that the 19-year-old didn’t even get to play in all their group matches. He featured in just one. As a result, Malepe missed out on a much-needed pre-season campaign with his new club, having joined from Moroka Swallows on a three-year deal.
Pirates had saved his promising career from a sinking ship.
But Malepe is more than determined to make up for lost time. The lad doesn’t mind playing catch-up to his teammates, who ensured that Pirates are now third on the log after four league games in the Premiership so far this season.
“We phoned Malepe and asked if he wouldn’t mind being a part of (Saturday’s) encounter against Chippa United at Kanyamazane Stadium (midday) and the lad was more than willing to join us,” said Pirates’ MultiChoice Diski Challenge (MDC) coach Zipho Dlangalala.
“He hasn’t had game time since arriving at the club. Everybody in the first team is doing well and he’s aware of that. He needs game time if he is to stand a chance this season.
“He’s got potential. That’s why the team swooped on him. We just need to get him ready for first-team action. He’s one of the best defenders around.”
Pirates’ opponents, Chippa, are 10th on the MDC log after a single win, draw and a loss in their last three matches.
That Chippa were whipping boys last season after finishing bottom of the log with only three wins after 15 league matches, and that they are yet to make an impact this season, is one matter Dlangalala said Pirates cannot draw confidence from.
He said Chippa are not going to be an easy side to beat so his team need to guard against complacency if they are to be victorious at the end of full-time.
“We don’t know what to expect from them,” Dlangalala said.
“We don’t know what kind of players will they be bringing for this match. But what we do know is that we cannot afford to underestimate them based on their previous poor performances.
“Sure, they’ve had a slow start this season, but like any other team they are eager to make up for it.
“The key is not to give them the chance to stage a comeback when they play us.
“This match is also a must-win for us.”
Fixtures
Saturday: Bloemfontein Celtic v Cape Town City; Maritzburg United v SuperSport United; Mamelodi Sundowns v Polokwane City
Sunday: Bidvest Wits v Ajax Cape Town; Free State Stars v Platinum Stars; Highlands Park v Golden Arrows; Baroka v Kaizer Chiefs
The Star