Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Kopano Thuntsane has opened up about the “frustrating” time he spent with the Soweto giants’ senior team following his promotion from the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC].
The 24-year-old is currently in the books of Moroka Swallows having penned a one-year deal at the beginning of this year.
He joined the Dube Birds after they released the players who were part of the protest after unpaid salaries in January. However, the season ended without Thuntsane making a single appearance.
Thuntsane had the time of his life in the DStv Diski Challenge and was promoted to the Sea Robbers senior side in the 2021/22 season. He also had a loan spell with Bizana Pondo Chiefs.
The Soweto-born goalkeeper left the Buccaneers upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the previous season.
Thuntsane’s chances of getting playing time were slim due to Orlando Pirates’ stable goalkeeping department with Richard Ofori, Siyabonga Mpontshane, and the addition of Sipho Chaine in 2022.
Limited playing time was frustrating for him, and he feels being sidelined took away an opportunity to prove himself at a big team.
While being released by Ezimnyama Ngenkani was disappointing, Thuntsane remains optimistic about his future in professional football, believing he has ample time left to forge a successful career.
THUNTSANE FEELS BEING SIDELINED AT PIRATES ROBBED AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROVE HIMSELF
“They just called me to go to the office, the contract was ending and they told me they were not renewing,” said Thuntsane during the interview with FARPost.
“But for me…I took it like, ‘okay it’s fine I’m still young, I’ll go somewhere else and start afresh my career and try gain confidence’.
“I was not playing and it frustrates when you’re not playing especially in a big team, everyone wants to play. When you don’t play, you get frustrated, but I told myself, I may have gotten frustrated, but I’m still young.
“I lost the job, sharp, then go somewhere else, play somewhere, I’ll come back [stronger], and I didn’t have that thing of being harsh on myself like giving stress on myself.
“I knew before the end of the season that they wouldn’t renew my contract, I was ready.
“You know when you’re not playing, and your me contract comes to an end.”
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