Orlando Pirates forward Kermit Erasmus has cleared the air on his Mamelodi Sundowns exit, saying he didn’t just sit on the bench at Masandawana and take home good money.
Erasmus, 32, completed a free transfer to Pirates ahead of the season after agreeing to terminate his deal with Sundowns.
Erasmus had joined the Brazilians from Cape Town City in 2020 but had fallen down the pecking order at Chloorkop before opting to return to Orlando Stadium ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
He has since scored three times and set up four more in 16 appearances across all competitions, and insisted he wanted to return to playing instead of just cashing in on his salary without playing regularly.
“I wouldn’t allow myself to sit at a team where I wouldn’t play regularly just for the money,” he told Orlando Pirates TV.
“Money is important don’t get me wrong, but at the end of the day it’s about how relevant you want to stay and how serious you are about what you love doing.
“For me, it has always been my bread and butter. If it wasn’t for the opportunity I was given to start my career as a footballer, I wouldn’t live the life that I have right now.
“What went through my mind that day [Pirates second debut], was just do hard work and being patient, and waiting for my moment.
“The way I acted in that game, there was no hatred towards nobody, nobody at the club, nobody in charge of the club, nobody owning the club, it was just the passion I have. I love the game.
“I’m sure a lot of people can see I play the game with a lot of passion. My celebrations are not made up, I don’t practice. I just love the game, I love playing the game and that’s all I want to do.”
