Orlando Pirates are prepping for a massive clash against Sundowns but rumours are whirring away in the background.
Mabasa names his heroes, chases incredible Orlando Pirates record
Tshegofatso Mabasa has had to do it the hard way at Pirates, picking himself up after several disappointments and continuing to work hard and yield results. Two former Pirates stars were similar in their endeavours, something Mabasa admires and looks up to. He’s also close to a stunning goal-scoring record.
Pirates reignite Khanyi interest
25-year-old Muzomuhle Khanyi has been causing a stir in the NFD, scoring goals for fun. He recently bagged a treble to further enhance his reputation as one of the best potential bargain deals available on the market. Although Pirates are stocked in this portion of the pitch with the prolific Tshegofatso Mabasa and relentless running power of Evidence Makgopa, there’s no such thing as too many good strikers.
Munetsi was earning peanuts in South Africa
28-year-old Zimbabwean midfield maestro Marshall Munetsi has completed a deadline-day €18 million (R349 million) switch to English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers from Reims in France’s Ligue 1. It’s been a sharp rise for a player who Pirates rejected only six years ago. Munetsi will earn a reported €51k (R1 million) per week with Wolves. According to KickOff, he was earning as little as R5k a month at one point in South Africa. We could see him debut for the club as soon as Sunday 09 February when Wolves travel to Blackburn in the FA Cup. If not, his bow could come at Anfield against Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday 16 Feb.
Is Jaedin Rhodes the next big thing?
According to Soccer Laduma, Pirates want to sign Cape Town City’s exciting winger/playmaker Jaedin Rhodes. The 21-year-old has already featured in 17 games across all competitions this campaign. He’s bagged two goals and generally caught the eye with his flamboyance, flair and creative skills. Rhodes has 66 City appearances under his belt with eight goals and four assists. The Cape Town City youth product can operate on either flank and in the number 10 role or ‘the hole’ behind the central striker. He’s certainly a name to watch out for in the 2024-2025 season and beyond.
Sundowns vs Pirates is next
Orlando Pirates face the biggest test of their season in the league when they face champions Mamelodi Sundowns. The Buccaneers beat Sekhukhune 2-1 on Wednesday with goals from Deon Hotto and Makhehlene Makhaula, assisted by Hotto. Former Sea Robber Linda Mntambo scored the consolation for the hosts. Sundowns claimed a routine 3-0 win away to SuperSport with goals from Jayden Adams and a Tashreeq Matthews brace. Pirates are in great form having beaten Kaizer Chiefs and Babina Noko within three days.
Sundowns host Pirates on Saturday, 08 February with kickoff at 15:30.ÂIt’s undoubtedly the biggest game of the season so far. Pirates trail the champions by six points but have a game in hand. The result of this monumental clash could have a huge bearing on the ultimate destination of this season’s Betway Premiership crown.
Will the Buccaneers beat Sundowns this weekend?
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