READ: Matlaba setback for Bucs
The ever-improving shot-stopper has expressed feelings of pride and joy in the team’s campaign, as well as his own, after Pirates’ crucial 1-0 win at Tunisian outfit Sfaxien on Sunday evening.
Bucs beat the ‘Juventus of the Arabs’ courtesy of midfielder Thabo Rakhale, who beautifully chipped goalkeeper Rami Jridi in the 48th minute.
READ: Rakhale thrilled with Sfaxien goal
Following an inspired performance from Mhlongo, more importantly for him though is the clean sheet he collected after facing much criticism following their 2-1 defeat at home to Zamalek a fortnight ago.
“[The win] meant everything, it was a very tough game and we came out with a much-needed three points,” Mhlongo tells snl24.com/kickoff.
“What made it tougher was that we knew what was at stake and could not afford to lose three games in a row [including the King’s Cup loss to Royal Leopards], so we had to raise the bar.”
Before the match, ‘Spider’ tugged on some heartstrings with an Instagram post in memory of his fallen friend and colleague Meyiwa, explaining the journey he travelled since ‘Nzori’s’ passing in October last year.
The 24-year-old says being in Tunisia ahead of the match against Sfaxien brought back so many memories from the time they went and faced Esperance in the CAF Champions League in 2013.
“When we lost against Zamalek, I was heartbroken. I knew that in order to get our campaign back on track we needed a big win, and that’s what Senzo was good at.
“When the team needed him most, he would rise to the occasion just like when we played Esperance in the [Champions League] semi-final here in Tunisia.
“He had so much fun before the game, and he made sure to lead in song to motivate the guys. So being here brought back the good memories of him,” he adds.
Get the latest Pirates news sent to your phone. SMSs cost R1.50.
Mhlongo now feels he can relate to what Meyiwa went through before he became a household name in South Africa, and promises to keep working and improving his game for the sake of his former teammate and those who continually support him.
“It has always been tough. You concede a goal and you get stick for it, irrespective of how you conceded, it will always be a case of being compared to whoever or being doubted.
“I know that even Senzo went through such a period, where no-one believed him – they would boo him and hurl insults – yet he stood firm and, with time, look where he ended up; I can relate to what he went through.
“I know, without putting pressure on myself, all in due time I shall rise and conquer because of the support I’m getting from my family and fans who really understood the circumstances and challenges I was faced with, and I’m forever grateful to them for being there for me through thick and thin,” he concludes.
The Buccaneers next face their Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the annual Carling Black Label Cup at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
------------ 
Orlando Pirates face a frentic August with a potential nine games in wait for Eric Tinkler's men. In the latest edition of KICK OFF Magazine (Issue 460) we analyse the challenge ahead for the Sea Robbers. Here's what else you can expect...