Congolese midfielder Karim Kimviudi had a move to Italy proposed by another former Orlando Pirates player prior to eventually landing in South Africa.
Kimviudi has joined Pirates from Maritzburg United after following weeks of negotiations.
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Pirates initially put R12 million on the table, but Maritzburg stood firm in that they want R15 million, but the transfer was ultimately completed on July 26.
There were options of heading to DC United in the MLS while other options came from Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt.
"Karim is my boy because I have known him since he was a kid," says fellow Congolese and former Orlando Pirates striker Lelo Mbele.
"From his time here in Congo, he used to come to my house, and I would give him money, boots, and jerseys.
"My house is not far from where he grew up.
"I supported the boy through that time because I could see the potential and I'm not surprised that he has delivered.
"He was with Motema Pembe here in Congo.
"The boy came through my hands while he was at school and before he came to South Africa, I wanted to take him to a second division club in Italy.
"The team in Italy was interested but I felt the move to Pirates was a better decision.
"However, I then decided that it was best that he goes to South Africa for the sake of his growth.
"I'm happy that he has gone to a club like Pirates which is a team that I understand because I played for them.
"The boy just needs to understand that Pirates is a big team, and he needs to keep a level head and be disciplined.
"What is important is that he must always make sure that he gets the job done since there are a lot of good players at Pirates.
"I trust that this boy will come good at Pirates and then move on to an overseas club afterwards.
"Pirates provided the opportunity for me to move to bigger things which allowed for me to make money.
"If the boy wasn't good the club wouldn't have bought him.
"For Pirates to pay that money it shows how much confidence they have in him.
"This boy is a king here in Congo when it comes to playing football and will be appreciated by a bigger audience now that he is at Pirates.
"This move to Pirates will pave the way for him to get into the national team and the coach (Sebastien Desabre) will notice him now," says Mbele.
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