Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns striker Tokelo Rantie has spoken about his successful loan spell at the Buccaneers in 2011/12.
The 34-year-old retired footballer made a name for himself by scoring seven goals in 20 matches which helped Pirates to secure a second treble. Having been on loan from Stars of Africa Academy, Rantie left at the end of the 2011/12 season to join Swedish side Malmo
Speaking on the Trap and Pass podcast, the former Orlando Pirates striker explained how he joined the Soweto giants.
“I still remember the time and the date when I signed with Orlando Pirates. While I was still in Sweden, there was a team I called Malmo that I later went to play for. They wanted to sign me, so I had to come here and apply for my work permit because I had a travelling Visa,” Rantie said.
“So while I was here, it happened that Stars of Africa organised a friendly game against Orlando Pirates.”
Rantie became a top striker at Orlando Pirates
Rantie said he wanted to play in Europe but the Buccaneers offered him a good contract.
“When I signed for Orlando Pirates, nobody knew me. It just happened so quickly and it’s difficult to understand. The situation at home forced me to make those decisions (to join Pirates instead of Malmo). At Malmo, I wasn’t guaranteed that I’d be granted a work permit before the transfer window closed,” he added.
At Orlando Pirates, the former striker produced the goods and formed a formidable partnership with Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy. Rantie explained why he found it easier to play for the Buccaneers.
“The pressure was there when I played them in the friendly but after what I did to them, it was easier to play for Pirates,” he said.
After his loan, Rantie joined Malmo before moving to England to play for Bournemouth.
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