Fans crazy for golden boy Thabo

[caption id="attachment_93891" align="alignright" width="199"] ON A MISSION: Orlando Pirates' Thabo Rakhale aims for goal - Picture: GALLO IMAGES[/caption]

TRYING to get an interview with Thabo Rakhale at OR Tambo International Airport yesterday was a nightmare.

From the second he walked out of the terminal A arrival doors, the dribbling wizard was surrounded by fans who wanted to congratulate the winger for the superb goal he scored to earn Orlando Pirates a crucial 1-0 victory over CS Sfaxien in their group B Caf Confederation Cup clash on Sunday.

He tried to talk to the media, but someone kept pulling him away to try to get a photo. He just smiled as fans whipped out their cellphones and tablets for a picture with him.

This is a player Pirates fans have come to adore and he has gone from being an impact player to someone coach Eric Tinkler cannot leave out of the starting lineup. And he is loving every minute of it.

“It all goes down to working hard,” Rakhale said when he finally got a minute to say a few words about his performance against the Tunisian club.

“I have been waiting for my chance and I am happy that at the moment I am using it.

“It’s a great feeling, but I have to keep my mind on what I do best and keep my feet on the ground. We got the maximum points that we needed and credit should go to my teammates as well.”

Pirates will now start preparing for Saturday’s Carling Black Label Cup clash against Kaizer Chiefs. The Soweto giants meet at FNB Stadium (3pm). -Tshepang Mailwane