In this week's My Welcome To The League Moment, former Orlando Pirates captain Thabo Mngomeni reveals the most difficult match of his professional career.
Mngomeni says the match against Mamelodi Sundowns opened his eyes to what it's really like to be the captain of a gigantic club like Pirates.
"It was the league match against Sundowns in Durban, there was a very big hype around that match because it took place just before the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and top officials from FIFA were in attendance," Mngomeni tells KickOff.
"We started that match very badly and all of a sudden we found ourselves 2-0 down.
"After that, we managed to lead them 3-2 before they equalized. That match finished 3-3.
"That game had everything, it was difficult, entertaining and it needed a character.
"The Stadium was fully packed that day and I think football fans got their money's worth. We gave them what they deserved.
"Sundowns had the likes of Roger Feutmba, Daniel Mudau, and the Cameroonian striker Alain Amougu, I think he scored their third goal that day.
"Most of the Pirates players were a bit nervous that day. As the captain that day I had a mammoth task trying to lift the guys.
"We ended up playing long balls, something we were not used to, but Sundowns kept on coming on us.
"I worked hard that day, I had to start our every move, and at the same time be in the box to finish. There were some moments when I found myself playing backline.
"That game made me realize how good I was as a captain, it proved I can lead."Because to tell you the truth we were short in confidence that day. We had to dig deep."
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