Mark Mayambela was once what Thabo Rakhale is to Orlando Pirates fans at the moment, a star they adored and praised whenever defenders were left sprawling in his wake.
Mayambela still remembers the standing ovation he got in his last match for the Buccaneers, when he came on as a substitute against SuperSport United in a league clash at Orlando Stadium.
It's a venue he holds close to his heart and he is excited to be returning to the stadium with Chippa United for an Absa Premiership clash today (7.30pm).
"Of course I am excited," Mayambela said yesterday. "Every day at Pirates was a blessing. The supporters made it extra special.
"If I were to choose my best memory at Orlando Stadium it has to be against Wits. We were down 2-0 and I came in as a substitute and created two goals. My last game was against SuperSport and I got a standing ovation.
"But Chippa is home and I am extremely happy that I am here. They believed in me when no one did."
Back in the top flight after a spell in Sweden and a short stint at Royal Eagles in the National First Division, Mayambela knows the threat Pirates pose with nippy players in attack. Pirates, though, have failed to transfer their good form in the CAF Confederation Cup to the domestic scene and dominate the way they did when Mayambela was at the club. He was part of the side that won back-to-back trebles.
"I don't want to dwell on their results because they are capable of conquering locally and in Africa. We are not going to take them lightly because they have very good players who can cause a lot of problems. We just have to work hard and try to do better than we did in our last match."
Pirates are likely to give Felipe Ovono his first start in goal in place of the injured Brighton Mhlongo and Rooi Mahamutsa could make a return to the starting line-up.
Mark may torment Pirates
Mark Mayambela was once what Thabo Rakhale is to Orlando Pirates fans at the moment, a star they adored and praised whenever defenders were left sprawling in his wake.
Mayambela still remembers the standing ovation he got in his last match for the Buccaneers, when he came on as a substitute against SuperSport United in a league clash at Orlando Stadium.
It's a venue he holds close to his heart and he is excited to be returning to the stadium with Chippa United for an Absa Premiership clash today (7.30pm).
"Of course I am excited," Mayambela said yesterday. "Every day at Pirates was a blessing. The supporters made it extra special.
"If I were to choose my best memory at Orlando Stadium it has to be against Wits. We were down 2-0 and I came in as a substitute and created two goals. My last game was against SuperSport and I got a standing ovation.
"But Chippa is home and I am extremely happy that I am here. They believed in me when no one did."
Back in the top flight after a spell in Sweden and a short stint at Royal Eagles in the National First Division, Mayambela knows the threat Pirates pose with nippy players in attack. Pirates, though, have failed to transfer their good form in the CAF Confederation Cup to the domestic scene and dominate the way they did when Mayambela was at the club. He was part of the side that won back-to-back trebles.
"I don't want to dwell on their results because they are capable of conquering locally and in Africa. We are not going to take them lightly because they have very good players who can cause a lot of problems. We just have to work hard and try to do better than we did in our last match."
Pirates are likely to give Felipe Ovono his first start in goal in place of the injured Brighton Mhlongo and Rooi Mahamutsa could make a return to the starting line-up.
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