Okonkwo set for new Pirates challenge
Onyekachi Okonkwo back at Orlando Pirates
Obaje stranded in Kaduna
Ex-Nigeria international
Onyekachi Okonkwo has said he is looking forward to a new challenge back at
South African club Orlando Pirates.
Midfielder Okonkwo rejoined the South African champions Monday and told the club’s website he relishes the prospects his return will present.
"Well, you know what they say, once a Pirate, always a Pirate," said the 30-year-old Okonkwo, who left Pirates in 2007 to sign for Swiss club FC Zurich.
“This is a club which has been very close to my heart, even when I was playing overseas I always kept contact with the chairman to find out how he and the club were doing.
“To come back to Pirates after five years playing abroad will be challenging for a number of reasons, for starters the team I will be joining will be completely different to the team I left behind in 2007.
“So, although I have played here before it will be like joining a new club but I look forward to the challenge."
Okonkwo used to boast about being the second most loved Nigerian player at Pirates (after William Okpara) during his first stint at the club, said he is relishing the prospect of reconnecting with the Ghost.
He said, "I am really looking forward to playing my first game in front of the Pirates supporters. I enjoyed playing in front of them because they were always there when I needed the support."
The midfielder, who wore the number 28 jersey (which is currently worn by defender Rooi Mahamutsa) in his first stint at the club, has not yet been assigned a number for the new season.
‘Tiko’ as he is nicknamed had played for Enyimba in (Nigeria), Orlando Pirates, FC Zurich (Switzerland), Al-Kharitivat Sports Club (Qatar).
He has won nine caps for Nigeria.
Midfielder Okonkwo rejoined the South African champions Monday and told the club’s website he relishes the prospects his return will present.
"Well, you know what they say, once a Pirate, always a Pirate," said the 30-year-old Okonkwo, who left Pirates in 2007 to sign for Swiss club FC Zurich.
“This is a club which has been very close to my heart, even when I was playing overseas I always kept contact with the chairman to find out how he and the club were doing.
“To come back to Pirates after five years playing abroad will be challenging for a number of reasons, for starters the team I will be joining will be completely different to the team I left behind in 2007.
“So, although I have played here before it will be like joining a new club but I look forward to the challenge."
Okonkwo used to boast about being the second most loved Nigerian player at Pirates (after William Okpara) during his first stint at the club, said he is relishing the prospect of reconnecting with the Ghost.
He said, "I am really looking forward to playing my first game in front of the Pirates supporters. I enjoyed playing in front of them because they were always there when I needed the support."
The midfielder, who wore the number 28 jersey (which is currently worn by defender Rooi Mahamutsa) in his first stint at the club, has not yet been assigned a number for the new season.
‘Tiko’ as he is nicknamed had played for Enyimba in (Nigeria), Orlando Pirates, FC Zurich (Switzerland), Al-Kharitivat Sports Club (Qatar).
He has won nine caps for Nigeria.
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