ZIMBABWE international striker Takesure Chinyama finally made his debut for Orlando Pirates at the weekend in a 1-0 win over Platinum Stars in South Africa’s Absa Premier League.
Having struggled with injury since his arrival from Dynamos in July, Chinyama played an hour before being substituted by new coach Roger de Sa.
The 29-year-old admitted he is still short of full fitness.
"I think it took a lot from the coach to play me in that match. There's a lot of competition in the team particularly in the striking department," Chinyama told Pirates' official website.
"However, I have been training well and playing a couple of friendly matches and everything is going well for me but friendly matches and league matches are totally different.
"I needed to play in that game so that I can get my confidence back. I haven't played competitive football in a long time so obviously my match fitness for the competitive games is not where I want it but it's getting there.
"Overall, I am happy that I finally played my first match for Pirates and am looking forward to playing more games and helping the team," concluded Chinyama.
The Sea Robbers, who next host Ajax Cape Town on September 25, beat Dikwena courtesy of Andile Jali's 69th minute penalty at Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
Bucs were aided by Thabiso Semenya's 19th minute dismissal for two bookable offences.