Rising star Azola Matrose has opened up on his long-awaited arrival at Orlando Pirates and explains why he spent a loan spell at Chippa United after signing for the Buccaneers.
Rated as one of the top rising talents, the 20-year-old attacker completed a move to the Buccaneers at the end of the 2021/22 season from Chippa United, but would spend another season with the Chilli Boys on loan, much to supporters confusion.
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Matrose has revealed that the loan spell came at his own request.
"I had a good season with Chippa and the opportunity to join Pirates came. I was happy but I wanted to finish my studies in Eastern Cape. So I asked for the loan, to spend one more season with Chippa," Matrose told KickOff.
"I also felt I needed to develop a bit more and would need some more playing time for that, because once I got here at Pirates, that would be a bit tougher – so I spent another season with Chippa. I would say it really helped me."
We bid farewell to our esteemed Azola Matrose, who has brought great pride to our province. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavours. ???????????#chippaunited #prideofEC pic.twitter.com/sFT9h830Nn
— Chippa United FC (@ChippaUnitedFC) August 1, 2023
Although Matrose is yet to take to the field in a competitive match, he has already been a major part of the Buccaneers' fan engagements sessions and had the chance to feel the love from the Pirates' fans.
"It's been great experience, meeting supporters, to travel, to explore places its been one of the things I've wanted to achieve," added Matrose.
"I'm looking forward to getting started. I've worked a lot with the physio to recovery from injury. My goal is to play a lot of matches, get minutes and hopefully eventually go abroad if that opportunity comes in future.
"I want to score goals, I want to improve the number of assists I provide, I want to have more assists and just be a better player in general.
"To be honest, I'm not that worried about pressure, I should expect that this is a big team and that will never change," he added.
Matrose is one of several new signings at Pirates, expected to be ready for action after the international break, including Karim Kimvuidi, Lesedi Kapinga and Melusi Buthelezi.
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