Orlando Pirates need to make a few tweaks to their squad to win the Betway Premiership and Caf Champions League next season.
A right-back is needed to compete with van Rooyen
According to Soccer-Laduma, Orlando Pirates will soon seal a deal for Polokwane City right-back Thabang Matuludi to provide competition for Deano van Rooyen. The same publication sounds less optimistic about their chances of snapping up Bafana winger Oswin Appollis. The 23-year-old reportedly has his heart set on Kaizer Chiefs. Is this a blessing in disguise for the Buccaneers?
Pirates need a new central midfielder
Makhehlene Makhaula is still a highly effective defensive midfield operator, but Pirates might need a long-term contingency plan because he’ll be 36 in November. Although it’s an absurd suggestion, Pirates might need to make an audacious move for a player of Teboho Mokoena’s calibre. Not Mokoena himself, but a domineering central midfield general to go alongside Thalente Mbatha, or free up Mbatha to get higher up the pitch more often.
Kwayiba in the bag
The Buccaneers have wrapped up the signing of Chippa United and Bafana midfield playmaker Sinoxolo Kwayiba. The 25-year-old is part of Hugo Broos’ latest South Africa squad to contest friendlies in June. Kwayiba bagged six goals and an assist from 25 league appearances for the Chilli Boys this season. The Gqeherba-born star is in the latest Bafana squad.
What about a new striker for Orlando Pirates?
Although the Buccaneers are blessed with options at the sharp end with Tshegofatso Mabasa, Evidence Makgopa and Boitumelo Radiopane, they might be looking at a different style of number 9. Fiston Mayele is a popular name in the media, but will they go for a guy on the wrong side of 30, especially with a rumoured price tag of R12 million?
What did Makgopa and Mabasa do to offend Hugo Broos?
Where would you strengthen the side?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
