Patrick Malokase got to learn that his number 17 jersey at Orlando Pirates was given to Benni McCarthy while he was watching TV, but it was not the end of the world for him as he was able to bounce back from that disappointment.
Soccer Laduma spoke to the former Buccaneer about how he was transfer listed, but that changed after he worked his socks off in training.
The years
I joined Pirates in 2010 and I was there until 2012. It was the best experience of my life in football. It was a time where I needed a change after spending a long time at (Bloemfontein) Celtic. I needed a challenge and a different province and all that. Being chased by a big club is a plus. I wanted to play for a big club, so I took the opportunity. Fortunately, the two seasons were the ones where we won the double trebles. It was an experience of a lifetime. Within those two seasons, I achieved everything I wanted to achieve in football. I was content thereafter. I won it all.
How the move happened
My move to Pirates was a long time coming. The season before my contract expired with Celtic, Pirates wanted me. I believe I was playing well during those times and I usually gave Pirates problems when we played against them. I'd play my best games when we played Pirates. I believe the other influence was Floyd Mbele because I had worked with him before. I could see Pirates being one of the clubs I could play for. For almost a year, Pirates were pursuing me and eventually, I signed a pre-contract with them, six months before my contract with Celtic expired.
The make up of the squad
It was a star-studded team. We had Moeneeb Josephs and the late Senzo Meyiwa in goal. In defence, we had guys like Lucky Lekgwathi, Lucas Twala, Happy Jele and Robyn Johannes. We had Teko Modise, Andile Jali, Oupa Manyisa and myself in midfield. I would play as a winger and sometimes as a number 10 or as a striker. We had Katlego Mashego upfront. Daine Klate was also part of the team. So, it was a star-studded side that could win everything. In the second season, Benni McCarthy came. I always had stars around me. It was good to play with those guys. Playing with someone like Benni was humbling.
My first day at Pirates
I remember my first day. I got to training and the chairman, Irvin Khoza, came to Rand Stadium. There is a boardroom at Rand Stadium and he came to address the team. He welcomed everyone. It was just nice. The chairman was excited to have everybody there. Some of the other guys were with the national team at the time. I remember the chairman said that whatever we were getting at Pirates, it's something that would sustain us for life after football. He was telling us not to be flashy and not to buy all the cars in this world. It was profound to hear that from him. To this day, I am living the same life I was living before I went to Pirates. He taught me to be humble and be content with what I have.
My debut
I made my debut in the Telkom Charity Cup against Kaizer Chiefs. I've always felt that the derby is a big game, but you can never know until you are involved in it. The stadium was full. There were over 90 000 supporters and we could not even hear each other talk. It was mind-blowing. It's a dream for every South African player to play in the derby.
The best player I played with at Pirates
I can count so many. From goalkeeping, Moeneeb Josephs stood out and I always tell him he was one of the best. Lucas Twala was intelligent on the ball. Oupa Manyisa was also intelligent and Teko Modise was just magic. They made things easy for the club.
Most memorable moment
Winning the league title for the first time. It was the last game of the season where Isaac Chansa scored in the dying minutes of the game. I did not play that game, but the following day it was back to work because we had to prepare for the Nedbank Cup the following week. That was a highlight for me. We played Leopards in the cup final. They scored first and we came back to win the cup.
Lowest moment
It was the first time I was put on the transfer list. It was the beginning of the season. Just before I was on the transfer list, Benni came and I was wearing the number 17. On TV, when Benni came, I saw him with the number 17 jersey and I was not aware at the time that I was going to be put on the transfer list. It hit me hard because I did not know anything. The day after, I was on the transfer list, but I kept on pushing hard in training. Something changed in Julio Leal's mind. He was our coach and, after a week, he told the club that he does not want me to leave. I think it was God. I've always been a prayer warrior. I was taken off the transfer list and I got the jersey number eight, which is one of my favourite numbers.
Why I left Pirates
I was not playing much and remember Floyd moved to Platinum Stars as their general manager. He believed in me too much and he influenced for me to go there.
