DStv Premiership

Why Eva Nga is unfazed by competition at Pirates

Orlando Pirates’ new striker Beinvenu Eva Nga, who is high on confidence, has explained why he is unfazed by competition at the club in his first interview since joining the Soweto giants in the off-season.

Eva Nga joined the Soweto giants from Chippa United following his impressive displays for the Gqeberha-based outfit.

He initially attracted interest from different clubs, including Kaizer Chiefs, after scoring 10 goals for Chippa in the league last campaign but opted to join Pirates.

In the pre-season, Eva Nga scored four goals in two friendly matches for Pirates, boosting his confidence ahead of the new season, which kicked off on Friday.

The Cameroonian attacker first arrived in South Africa to pen a deal with the now-defunct Bidvest Wits. And interestingly, his first goal in SA’s topflight was against the Buccaneers in a Nedbank Cup clash in 2019 at Orlando Stadium.

“I think we all understand we’re a group and are working toward making the team better. I know that if I’m starting, I need to give it my best and give it everything, and it starts with training during the week,” Eva Nga told the club’s website.

“If I’m not playing, I like to go to my teammates and wish them all the best and tell them ‘may God bless you and may you do well and score goals for the team’. I know that if it’s someone else’s turn to play, I must respect that.”

The 29-year-old arrived at Pirates with Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki, Miguel Timm, Evidence Makgopa and youngster Azola Matrose who has since been loaned back to the Chilli Boys.

Despite reaching the final CAF Confederation final, where the Soweto giants lost on penalties to Morrocian side RS Berkane, Pirates had a tough season that saw them winning just ten games, drawing 14, and losing six times to finish sixth on the log.

It’s often said that, ‘a new broom sweeps cleaner’, with a new man in charge of the Houghton-based side in José Riveiro, there’s a newly found sense of belief that the team can turn the corner and win some silverware.

The Ghosts kick-start their campaign with the Soweto derby against Swallows FC on Saturday at Orlando Stadium, kickoff is a 15:00.

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