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HOMECOMING: Nigerian international Onyekachi Okonkwo signed a three-year deal. Bucs boss Irvin Khoza targeting Africa. Picture taken from www.mtnfootball.com

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Okonkwo's first stint with the Bucs started in 2004 before he left for a spell with Swiss club FC Zurich.

The Nigerian has spent the past two years in Qatar playing for Al Kharitiyath.

Okonkwo indicated that the three-year contract he signed with Pirates could be the last stop on his football journey. He emphasised that his return to South Africa was not because of a failed career abroad.

"I did not fail (overseas). I spent three good years in Switzerland and the last two in Qatar since I left Pirates. I just decided to come back home. This is where I started my football. I don't want to say I am here to retire, but this is where I want to finish my football - at home," Okwonko said. The 30-year-old has a record of ill-discipline from his previous spell in the country, including threatening referee Daniel Bennett after being red-carded in a 2006 Telkom Charity Cup game against Bloemfontein Celtic.

Before his departure for Europe, the striker was accused of going AWOL from the Bucs team, but he and club chairman Irvin Khoza denied that there were any hard feelings between the player and club before he left.

Khoza said: "He was happy before he left. There were two teams interested in him at the time. If we were not happy we would not have been involved in any negotiations. He comes in at a perfect time after we lost (Isaac) Chansa. We hope to see the football that we have seen in him before, and that he can provide the excitement we want."

With Bucs having failed in their continental campaign in the African Champions League, the side will have another chance this coming season after clinching the champion ship.

Okon- kwo's continental experience could be an added boost as the player won the competition twice with his former club Enyimba in 2003 and 2004.

The club added another five players to their squad for the new season with the signing of former Free State Stars defender Ayanda Gcaba and midfielder Manti Moholo, Bidvest Wits defender Patrick Phungwayo, Black Leopards midfielder Khetowakhe Masuku and midfielder Aubrey Ngoma from newly promoted University of Pretoria.

Khoza said the continental competition would be their main focus, blaming a congested season and complacency on last season's failed campaign.

Comments

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Mon May 20 20:53:39 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 26, 2012

MGEEZ

Wow; Ntate Irvin; I salute you!!! thank you for bringing smiles back in our faces!!! For those who are haters; reserve you comments; let the happy people busk in their moment of glory please!!! Okonkwo; welcome to the DTC's!!!!
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Jun 26, 2012

SteveBiko

i dont like the guy, he thinks he the man..i bet he will have constant fights with Benny Mcarthy..watch the space
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Jun 26, 2012

Stumaeza

"I don't want to say I am here to retire, but this is where I want to finish my football - at home,"
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He's lost!

Okonkwo is bad news.
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Jun 26, 2012

MGEEZ

Before his departure for Europe, the striker was accused of going AWOL from the Bucs team, but he and club chairman Irvin Khoza denied that there were any hard feelings between the player and club before he left.
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Sowetan; quit whilst you are ahead; Okonkwo is a middlefielder and not a striker!!! Your favoritism in reporting is shocking to say the least!!!
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Jun 26, 2012

dmstephen

izinye izinja Okonkwo teaming up with Benni i foresee fights nje Mazilweeeee...........
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Jun 26, 2012

Mhungumbye

I like the way he plays but his behaviour is another story. Your prodigal will remain your prodigal son whether he comes back with an amputated arm u have to welcome him back.

Up the bucs
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Jun 26, 2012

Nyame1

Khoza o saina rubbish fela this season, he won't get even a single cup this time ,mark my words.

tse yelowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww ka nkane
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Jun 26, 2012

GERMAN-CUT

So,Only Pirates can sign former players ???
If other teams sign their players who went abroad and come bak,pierats suppoters talk about how the player is finished,the player' age and he lost form....
I bet most of you never even watched him play at watever team he was at,i also never heard of him since he left Pierats...

When Chiefs signed Nkosi,people were critisizing saying he is old he is off-form and he lost his touch,he is a reject....
This blog is full of people who dnt understand soccer,they are jst here to while time at their respective call-centres..
let us appreciate good talents,and build our players,irrespective of the team u support,south african players are failing overseas jst because of the mentality that we have,we are killing their talents:"jst because he was not playing for Chiefs then i am not supporting him",we await their downfall....

Khosi For Life
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Jun 26, 2012

9janavy

Okonkwo who? Who give a rat's azz about this boy.Now that his career is stunted ,he runs back with his tail between his leg to Orlando.I dislike guys like this who have no manners or respect for other people.I bet he won't perform at pirates.His ego is bigger than a stadium.
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Jun 26, 2012

NneteFeela87

U want to finish ur football "home", Okonkwo you r LOST my dear this is SA NOT NIGERIA
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