Nga, along with several other Orlando Pirates players, was a spectator in the stands as the team clinched a thrilling 3-1 victory on penalties against Mamelodi Sundowns to secure the MTN8 trophy at the Moses Mabhida Stadium last Saturday.
The 30-year-old striker has yet to make an appearance for the Pirates in a league match this season. However, he was featured in the MTN8 and played in two matches during the CAF Champions League, as coach Jose Riveiro adopted a squad rotation strategy.
Since joining the Pirates, Eva Nga has been part of just 11 games across various competitions, netting a single goal in the first game of the previous season against Moroka Swallows.
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Despite limited playing time, Eva Nga expressed contentment in seeing fellow players, like Zakhele Lepasa, receive opportunities to shine.
Lepasa emerged as the top goal scorer in the MTN8 with four goals, demonstrating the team’s depth and competition for spots.
Bienvenu emphasized the importance of every player receiving playing time within a 35-player squad.
While he acknowledged his happiness for those currently playing in his position, like Lepasa and Makgopa, he recognized that everyone has their own time in football.
Eva Nga acknowledged the need to accept the situation, even if it may be disappointing at times.
“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.”
His recent inclusion in the Pirates’ squad was during the CAF Champions League second-round match against Jwaneng Galaxy in Botswana, which ended in a 1-0 loss.
He came on as a substitute for his compatriot Souaibou Marou in the 59th minute. Like Eva Nga, Marou has also faced challenges in securing playing time.
“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 made a significant impact at Chippa United during the 2021/22 season, showcasing his talent by scoring an impressive 10 goals in the league.
This remarkable performance earned him a transfer to Pirates at the start of the following season.
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