Fortune Makaringe is a footballer for Orlando Pirates who draws inspiration from legends like Steve Lekoelea, Teko Modise, and Ronaldinho, but maintains his individuality and unique style. Despite facing competition from teammates and adapting to a new position as a right-back, Makaringe’s contributions to the Pirates have been substantial. His story serves as a reminder that while inspiration is essential, football thrives on authenticity and individuality.
Who is Fortune Makaringe and what is his football story?
Fortune Makaringe is a midfielder for Orlando Pirates who takes inspiration from past football giants such as Steve Lekoelea, Teko Modise, and Ronaldinho, but maintains his individuality and unique style. He started his professional career with Maritzburg United and transitioned to the Pirates in 2019, facing competition from teammates and adapting to a new position as a right-back. Makaringe’s story serves as a reminder that while inspiration is essential, football thrives on authenticity.
Section 1: The Inspirations of Fortune Makaringe
Orlando Pirates’ midfielder, Fortune Makaringe, offers a fresh and distinctive take on the world of football. The game’s past giants, such as Steve Lekoelea and Teko Modise, have certainly inspired him, but Makaringe firmly maintains his individuality. His approach to football is an amalgamation of respect for his idols and his own distinctive style.
Once an integral part of Maritzburg United, Makaringe transitioned to the Pirates in 2019. His admiration for Modise and Lekoelea is well-known, yet he firmly believes that outright imitation is not a true form of tribute. Furthermore, his admiration isn’t confined to South Africa – he respects and appreciates the legendary Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho, who had a successful stint with Barcelona and has deeply influenced Makaringe’s footballing ethos.
Raised in Vosloorus, Makaringe developed his love for the sport by watching these great players, each leaving a lasting impression on him. However, he quickly asserts that his playing style is unmatched, proudly proclaiming, “I am Fortune, and I have never seen anyone play like Fortune.”
Section 2: Makaringe’s Journey to the Pirates
Starting his professional career with the Team of Choice, Makaringe left a formidable record of four goals and nine assists in just 27 games. This remarkable performance didn’t go unnoticed, and he was soon scouted by the Pirates, prompting his switch to Mayfair.
However, his journey with the Pirates isn’t a smooth sail. The existing season has seen him pitted against formidable teammates like Patrick Maswanganyi and Karim Kimvuidi. The rise of young sensation Relebohile Mofokeng further intensifies the competition, making it challenging for Makaringe to secure his place.
Coach Jose Riveiro’s innovative solution has been to adapt Makaringe’s position to a right-back. This unconventional move underscores the coach’s confidence in Makaringe’s versatility. Despite these hurdles, Makaringe’s contributions to the team have been substantial, including 13 appearances across various tournaments for the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup champions.
Section 3: The Unique Path of Makaringe
While Modise and Lekoelea have left their mark on Pirates’ history and are still fan favorites, Makaringe’s story is uniquely his own. He takes inspiration from these legends without attempting to duplicate their style.
His nickname ‘Fortune-teller’ offers a glimpse into his unique style and unpredictable gameplay, setting Makaringe apart from his peers. He clearly expresses, “In as much as I grew up loving Ronaldinho, Steve Lekoelea, Teko Modise, Kagiso Senamela – you name them, I don’t see myself playing like any of them.”
This assertion of individuality, which borders on self-confidence, is a defining trait of Makaringe. He takes pride in creating his own path in the football world, drawing inspiration but maintaining his distinct style. His approach to football doesn’t entail mimicking the legends. Instead, he internalizes their spirit, determination, and passion for the game, blending it with his unique flair to create a truly personal style.
Section 4: Looking Ahead
Makaringe’s story serves as a compelling reminder that while inspiration is essential, football, like any other art form, thrives on authenticity. As he progresses in his career, there is a palpable sense of anticipation about the unique contributions Makaringe will make to the football world, echoing his sentiment, “There is no one because I am Fortune, and I have never seen anyone play like Fortune.”
1. Who are Fortune Makaringe’s football inspirations?
Fortune Makaringe draws inspiration from past football giants such as Steve Lekoelea, Teko Modise, and Ronaldinho, but maintains his individuality and unique style.
2. What position does Fortune Makaringe play for Orlando Pirates?
Fortune Makaringe is a midfielder for Orlando Pirates who has adapted to a new position as a right-back.
3. What has been Jose Riveiro’s solution to the competition within the Pirates team?
Coach Jose Riveiro’s innovative solution has been to adapt Makaringe’s position to a right-back, underscoring the coach’s confidence in Makaringe’s versatility.
4. What is Fortune Makaringe’s playing style like?
Fortune Makaringe’s playing style is unique and unpredictable, earning him the nickname ‘Fortune-teller’. He takes pride in creating his own path in the football world, drawing inspiration but maintaining his distinct style.
5. What has been Makaringe’s contribution to the Orlando Pirates team?
Despite facing competition from teammates and adapting to a new position as a right-back, Makaringe’s contributions to the Pirates have been substantial, including 13 appearances across various tournaments for the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup champions.
6. What is the significance of Makaringe’s story in football?
Makaringe’s story serves as a reminder that while inspiration is essential, football thrives on authenticity and individuality. As he progresses in his career, there is a palpable sense of anticipation about the unique contributions Makaringe will make to the football world.
