Baroka FC midfielder Collins Makgaka is convinced that newly signed Orlando Pirates defender Tshepo Mashiloane has what it takes to deliver at the Soweto giants.
The right-back has joined Abdeslam Ouaddou's squad alongside Sipho Mbule, Yanela Mbuthuma (Richards Bay), Masindi Nemtajela (Marumo Gallants), Tshepang Moremi (AmaZulu), Nkosikhona Ndaba (Richards Bay), Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United), Sihle Nduli (Stellenbosch), Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City), Kamogelo Sibelebele (TS Galaxy), and Azola Tshobeni (Chippa United).
He will be facing stiff competition from the current first choice Deano van Rooyen as well as Bandile Shandu and Thabiso Lebitso. However, Makgaka is convinced the 23-year-old will prove his quality at the club.
‘Grab the opportunity at Pirates'
“He's a unique player, a hard worker. I believe in him. He just needs a few touch-ups to be a complete player, but talent-wise, he's up there. He has what it takes to establish himself at Pirates, but he must allow himself room to learn as well,” he opened up to Sowetan.
“I have already spoken to him a lot, but those weren't formal conversations … we were just talking as friends. I've told him things to expect at Pirates, the dos and don'ts.
“I told him to grab the opportunity with both hands there and be a better player and a better person. He must understand the competition is very stiff at Pirates,” he added.
Baroka set for PSL promotion
Baroka finished eighth in the concluded second-tier campaign, but Makgaka is convinced it will be a different case this season.
“The team needed to keep the core of the team from last season. When you have the core, you have everything … it helps you with continuity as well. The foundation is already there; now, what's left for us is to put in the work,” the midfielder continued.
“Last season, we peaked very late. I think it will also help us that the coach [Malesela] is starting the season with us, because you could see last season that we started getting the results when he arrived, which was a little bit too late to challenge for promotion.
“I think if we can play the way we finished last season, we have a chance of gaining promotion,” he concluded.
