WITH Orlando Pirates returning from their festive season break today, Cyril "Gigga" Mashego is hoping the new year will bring him the luck he needs to finally taste professional football.

Born in Pokwane in Limpopo on August 2 1991, Mashego is the youngest player of the Buccaneers, while captain and defender Lucky "Phinda Mzala" Lekgwathi, born in Ga Rankuwa on August 1 1976, is the oldest.

Mashego was promoted to the senior team at the beginning of the season after Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza recalled him to Pirates.

"Being offered a contract by Pirates was a dream come true for me and I want to thank Khoza for his continued support and belief in me," said the young midfielder.

"When Khoza heard that Ajax Cape Town wanted to buy me outright, he phoned me like a father and I told him about my frustrations."

Mashego has not featured in an official league match but is confident his luck will turn in the second round.

He played in two games in the OR Tambo Cup in North West in November against Bloemfontein Celtic and eventual winners Platinum Stars.

"I have been working hard since being promoted to the senior team. I'm confident I will get a break when the second round starts," Mashego said.

"I love Pirates with my whole my heart and want to contribute to their success. Playing in the African Champions League will be a massive milestone for me."

Mashego joined Pirates in 2006.

"I was a student at Bophelo School in Mayfair when we participated in the MTN Under-16 Cup. We also participated in the Nike Cup which we won and qualified to play in the Manchester United Cup in England.

"I was named the most valuable player of the tournament. I also played for the Under-17 national team.

"Bucs promoted me to their reserve team, Yebo Yes, in 2008, and later loaned me to Hannover Park."