SuperSport United captain Thulani Hlatshwayo has hinted that Orlando Pirates could be in for a tough Saturday evening if new signing Vincent Pule gets a chance to play in their crucial MTN8 encounter.
'Mashonisa', as he is fondly known, was among six players released by the Soweto giants at the end of last season when their contracts ended on June 30.
READ | 'I can't bring another 30-year-old into my club'
The list also includes veterans Richard Ofori and Siyabonga Mpontshane, midfielder Thabang Monare, as well as strikers Kermit Erasmus and Souaibou Marou.
Pule has since joined Matsatsantsa after impressing during his assessment, reuniting with former coach Gavin Hunt and Hlatshwayo, his ex-teammate at Pirates.
The 32-year-old's story is somewhat similar to that of Hlatshwayo, who left Pirates at the start of the the 2022/23 season in search of a fresh start.'Tyson' has been revitalized at the club, becoming a key figure for them.
ALSO READ | Appollis update amid Chiefs, Esperance links
Speaking to journalists at the launch of this season's MTN8 on Wednesday, the veteran defender said he had been impressed by Pule's showing during their pre-season training camp.
"I'm happy for him. We kind of have experience, where he comes from and where he is at and who he's with.
"Because I remember him joining us while we were at Wits, he came from Bloemfontein, Free State and what I've seen so far, especially in the pre-season when we were in Botswana, I see the Pule that I know, I see the Pule that was at Bidvest Wits.
"So, it clearly shows that also his mental side is in a good space now and hopefully he gets a chance on Saturday and shows what I have been seeing in Botswana during our pre-season.
"He must not put pressure on himself as we know who we are playing against."
SuperSport take on Pirates in the quarter-final of the MTN8 on Saturday. Kick-off is at 18:00.