New Orlando Pirates signing Abdoulaye Mariko has broken his silence on his move and debut for the Buccaneers, having come on as a substitute for a MTN8 quarter-final win over Polokwane City.
The Soweto giants made easy work of Rise And Shine with a 2-0 slapping in front of a sold-out Orlando Stadium thanks to goals from debutant Oswin Appollis and Patrick Maswangwanyi.
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On the day, six players made their competitive debuts for the Pirates and among them was 21-year-old Mariko, who was brought on in the second half.
"Wearing the Pirates jersey for the first time felt like a dream come true," he said.
"I knew I was representing a club with great history, pride, and passionate supporters – I felt a deep responsibility to give my best," the midfielder told the club's official website.
"At that moment [when I was brought on], I was filled with gratitude and determination. I thought about all the sacrifices it took to get there. I was mentally preparing myself, ready to seize the opportunity and show what I’m capable of."
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Mariko was warmly received by the Amabhakaniya faithful both and the stadium and the applause continued across social media.
"Playing for Orlando Pirates is more than just football, it’s about representing a legacy," the dynamic midfielder added.
"It means discipline, honour, and a commitment to excellence. I feel blessed to be part of such a prestigious club."
"To the fans, I want to say thank you for the warm welcome and your support. You can expect me to always give 100%, with passion and commitment in every match. I will work hard to make you proud and help the team achieve its goals."
Mariko and Co. will take on Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 17:30.
Photo: Gallo Images/Daniel Hlongwane
