Big teenage decisions, surprise signing loading

1 Views

Orlando Pirates now have several youngsters vying for places in their side. They also want to sign top players in January.


Sea Robbers want to raid Gallants again

Pirates are already convinced that 23-year-old Daniel Msendami is the right fit for them even though he’s played just four times for Limpopo-based Marumo Gallants. He made the switch from Jwaneng Galaxy in Botswana, a team Pirates know well from the preliminary stages of Caf Champions League qualifiers. This wouldn’t be the first time the Buccaneers have done business with Gallants in recent seasons; the eagle-eyed Sisego Gwegwe reminds us that Pirates have acquired Miguel Timm, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Katlego Otladisa.

“What we are not sure of is whether it’s for January or next season but what I can tell you is that the technical team are believed to be happy with the player,” a source told Soccer Laduma.

The Bucs’ training facility. Image: Stadium Management SA

Is Nkota going to keep his place in the Orlando Pirates XI?

Teenage winger Mohau Nkota produced an impressive substitute cameo in Pirates’ 3-2 defeat to Magesi in the Carling Knockout. That earned him a start and full Betway premiership debut in the Buccaneers’ 2-0 win over SuperSport. He played 65 minutes in the workmanlike success and manager Riveiro likes what he sees. Pirates now have four wins from four and sit at the summit of the league table as they embark on a quest to wrestle the title from Sundowns.

“It’s just the beginning for him,” he told SuperSport TV via iDiski Times.

Click for the story

Orlando Pirates Nkota
Mohau Nkota in action for Orlando Pirates against Magesi FC. Image: FootballSA

Predicted Bucs XI vs AmaZulu

Games are already rolling around frequently meaning we could see some rotation by coach Jose Riveiro. Pirates dispatched SuperSport on Tuesday so some fresh legs might come into the side. Pirates are flying high with four wins from four while AmaZulu are rooted to the foot of the table with three defeats from three. Here’s how the Sea Robbers could line up with potential for a few attack-minded changes:

Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sesane, Sibisi, Maela; Dlamini, Mbatha; Nkota, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa.

Kickoff at Orlando Stadium is at 19:30 on Friday 25 October.

Orlando Pirates player Mbatha
Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha in the DStv Premiership against Cape Town Spurs. Image: BackpagePix

Is this the season when Pirates lift the Betway Premiership crown after such a long wait?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for your social fix.