‘I felt I was wasting my time in football’: Mthethwa on Pirates struggles

AmaZulu FC defender Sandile Mthethwa has revealed the reasons behind his abrupt decision to leave Orlando Pirates.

The Mpangeni-born centre-back parted ways with the club, ending a decade-long relationship with the Sea Robbers. He arrived at Pirates in 2016 joining from the KZN academy.

Mthethwa’s stint at Pirates took him on loan spells to Richards Bay FC and Chippa United. Despite returning to Pirates in 2022, he couldn’t secure a place in the starting lineup.

While thankful to the Buccaneers for shaping his career, Mthethwa acknowledged that a lack of playing time prompted his decision to leave. He believes not getting enough game time held him back.

As a 27-year-old, Mthethwa feels it’s crucial to play regularly to progress his career and ultimately realise his dream of donning the Bafana Bafana jersey.

MTHETHWA SAYS LACKING GAME TIME HELD HIM BACK

“I can never be fed up to a team that made me. You understand? But it was all about the decision to say, I have a lot to give, to show to the country. I still want to represent my country,” said Mthethwa.

“I felt like being outside, not playing, was me wasting my time in football because I’m 27 right now, and this is where I’m supposed to play.

“This is where I’m supposed to be a regular in the club. So, my previous home didn’t give me that opportunity. So, we had a discussion and agreement, mutual agreement.

 

“Not that Pirates terminated the contract, just that it was a mutual agreement. So, yeah, that’s the case.”

Mthethwa expressed his joy at returning to his home province, KwaZulu-Natal, and believes his move to AmaZulu will prove to be a wise decision.

MTHETHWA HOPING AMAZULU MOVE PROVES TO BE A WISE DECISION

“I think the most important thing that played a part is, the club wanted me. And also, as you are saying, it’s a KZN base and it’s close, two hours away from home. And this is my new home,” he added.

“I think what I did to Pirates is something that I can start and do at AmaZulu because they are a club who were willing to give me an opportunity. And who believed in me that I can be the best more than what I thought I was.

“And by that, I really appreciate the president not letting out the coaches. I think, for me, it’s not a bad decision that I took.

“It’s one of the decisions that, going forward, that I’ll say I think I made a good decision to come to AmaZulu.”

RELATED STORY: Sandile Mthethwa and Bongani Zungu’s first words as AmaZulu players