Orlando Pirates striker Kermit Erasmus has finally opened up on his return to the Buccaneers ahead of the Soweto Derby this coming Saturday.
The 32-year-old was part of the Pirates between 2013 and 2016 before moving to French League 1 side Stade Rennes.
The Gqeberha-born striker managed to score 17 goals in 65 appearances, during his first spell at the club and made a good return to the Pirates as he already netted one goal and assisted on three occasions.
Ahead of Saturday’s spectacle, Erasmus spoke about his return to Orlando Stadium after following in the footsteps of the likes of iconic names such as Jomo Sono and Jerry Sikhosana.
“I don’t think anyone has done what I’ve done in a long time,” he told his club’s media team.
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“Especially coming back to a Club like Pirates. It is a great feeling and I’m happy to be back, bringing back happy days to the ‘Happy People. That’s what’s important to me right now.
“The occasion is a special one, and it’s a privilege and honour to be a part of it again now that I’m back home.”
Pirates will face their arch-rivals on Saturday Kaizer Chiefs and it won’t be Erasmus’ first time playing the derby as he scored previously in this fixture.
Saturday’s derby is almost seven to the day, Erasmus played a role in three Pirates goals in a 3-1 win over their bitter rivals on 31 October 2015, and the Bucs striker still remembers this day.
“Obviously creating the three goals in a 3-1 win brings back fond memories for me personally,” he added.
“Everybody talks about the individual brilliance leading to the goals, but for me the whole team performance stands out along with the atmosphere.
“That’s the memory that people always remind me of when it comes to the Derby. Hopefully, we can bring our supporters a similar kind of joy on the weekend.”
Pirates head into the game on better form after back-to-back wins, including a thumping 3-0 win over DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns to book their spot in the MTN8 final.
In the league, they sit one point ahead of Chiefs ahead of Saturday’s derby.
