Orlando Pirates midfielder Fortune Makaringe has opened up about playing in the somewhat unfamiliar position of right-back in recent matches.
Among the current crop of players, the 30-year-old is one of the longest-serving players at the Buccaneers camp and as recent matches have shown, one of the most versatile.
Makaringe joined Pirates in 2019, having made a name for himself at Maritzburg United as an exciting attacking midfielder. Since then the skilful attacker has also been deployed in central midfield, while head coach Jose Riveiro has recently deployed him as a right back.
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Speaking at a recent Pirates media day, Makaringe shared his thoughts on being played at right-back.
"It's a very interesting role indeed," Makaringe said.
"For me, it's just playing football and playing for the team. I will be honest with you, when my employer employed me they didn't tell me I was going to play a certain role.
"They employed an employee that was going to be ready to work in the team, so for me, playing in that position is not something that unfamiliar. We have prepared from a long time ago and I've always been prepared a long time ago.
"It's a very complicated sport when played by people who don't understand the game, but I knew for me it would not be a train smash because I'm playing with people who understand the game much better.
"It's more about me also going in a applying myself in a proper manner," Makaringe said to journalists.
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The move was partly necessitated by an injury crisis in the Bucs camo, with Bandile Shandu, Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane sidelined with injuries.
"When I said characters align, I meant everyone that I keep in my circle can play anywhere, anytime," added Makaringe.
"So we learn from those things. I will be honest with you, Thabiso Monyane and Bandile Shandu have been supporting me and I have been learning from them.
"So for me, it wasn't really difficult or it hasn't been difficult to adapt and also the will to learn. I'm not a master in that position or perfect, but I strive to be the best I can be with the help of my teammates."
Pirates return to DStv Premiership action when they take on Lamontville Golden Arrows at Mpumalanga Stadium on Sunday, 17 November.
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