Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are known as the two biggest and most attractive historical football brands in South Africa.
With that being said, if either Pirates or Chiefs comes knocking, it is very seldom that any player rejects them.
But sometimes players weigh up their position at their current club, compared to the inevitable competition at Pirates or Chiefs. Or alternatively, if their current club is heading in the right direction, and they want to be apart of that. If a player backs themselves, they will sign, if they want a bigger pay cheque, the glitz and the glam, they will sign. But others don’t, because they ‘trust the process’.
Pirates were interested in Ntshangase
This happened to be the case for former Bidvest Wits midfielder Phumlani Ntshangase. According to what he said to FARPost, in the height of his career, he rejected the advances of Pirates.
“You know, sometimes I look back and always think that if I had made a move at that time, maybe things would have been different because there were some calls from other clubs, especially Orlando Pirates. Pirates, at that time, was a big call-up team that was more interested. However, I chose to stay at Wits because I liked the structure, and the team had a big vision. I think until today, I do regret it, but I don’t regret it 100% because, if you look at it, I’m very proud of myself for making it with one of the most overlooked teams in the league. You know, big teams are always expected to win all the cups like Pirates are doing now. But I was able to do that with just an average team back in the day.” Said Ntshangase.
Rejected the Buccaneers
Now Ntshangase is 29 and without a club after playing for Maritzburg United, Baroka FC and Highbury FC. Pirates fans, would he have been a success at your club? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings in the comments below.
