Orlando Pirates striker Bienvenu Eva Nga says he is happy for those playing ahead of him as he understands that everybody has their time, but he is pushing to get back into the team.
Nga watched on the stands when Pirates beat Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 on penalty shootouts at the Moses Mabhida Stadium to win the MTN8 trophy on Saturday along with Thembinkosi Lorch, Vincent Pule, Azola Metrose, Melusi Buthelezi, Phillip Ndlondlo, Fortune Makaringe, Souaibou Marou, Thabiso Cesane, Sandile Mthethwa, Katlego Otladisa and Siyabonga Mpontshane.
The 30-year-old has not featured for Pirates in a league match this season, but has once in the MTN8 and did in two matches in the CAF Champions League as coach Jose Riveiro was rotating his squad.
Overall Eva Nga has featured in just 11 games across all competitions since he joined Pirates, scoring once – that goal came in the first game of last season against Moroka Swallows.
While he has not been preferred to play, he said he is happy to see a player like Zakhele Lepasa, who finished as the top goal scorer in the MTN8 with four goals, given chances.
“We have 35 players and every player must be given a chance to play,” he said.
“But I’m happy for those who are playing now, especially those who are playing in my position like Lepasa and Evidence Makgopa because they are doing well.
“I wouldn’t sit here and say I’m not happy because it is football – everyone has his own time. I just have to accept the situation even though you don’t feel better but you have to accept the situation.”
The last time Eva Nga was part of Pirates squad was when they lost 1-0 to Jwaneng Galaxy in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second round in Botswana, replacing his compatriot Souaibou Marou in the 59th minute, who just like him, has struggled to play.
“My time will come and I’m working hard,” Eva Nga said.
“I’m pushing myself hard. Even now I have my own personal trainer – working hard, trying to fix some details and when I’m coming back stronger, I’m not going to be the same.
“I didn’t come to Pirates because I have a family member – it meant they saw something in me that I can do.
“Even those that don’t like me, I must transform that for them to like me and I know it is going to come.”
Eva Nga impressed at Chippa United in the 2021/22 season, scoring 10 league goals, which led him to joining Pirates at the beginning of last season.
