Orlando Pirates’ new signing Gilberto has struggled for game time at the club and it’s affected his international prospects.
Gilberto is still in the mix for Angola
23-year-old winger Miguel Deivi Vieira, or Gilberto for short, has been reduced to a substitute role for his nation in recent matches. His side has already qualified for the finals in Morocco but he’ll be determined to fight for his place in the Bucs starting XI. The wide attacking areas are congested with the talents of Rele Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota supporting Patrick Maswanganyi and Evidence Makgopa in attack.
Eight Bucs at Afcon qualifiers
As many as eight Bucs stars could be in action for their nations over the Afcon break. Six are with the Bafana squad, namely Evidence Makgopa, Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Sipho Chaine, Thalente Mbatha and Nkosinathi Sibisi. New signing Gilberto is with Angola while reliable utility man Deon Hotto will hope to add to his impressive tally of 65 caps for Namibia.
Patrick Maswanganyi is a shining light
Orlando Pirates have become a well-drilled unit from front to back, specialising in winning big knockout matches on the grand stages. Now, they’re becoming even more than a cup team. With seven wins from seven in the league, a first Betway Premiership crown since 2012 could be beckoning. At the heart of it all is Bafana Bafana star Patrick Maswanganyi. The 26-year-old from Thembisa has experience in {Portugal with Oliveirense. He sparkled in the 2023-2024 season, pulling the strings behind Tshegofatso Mabasa and providing five goals and five assists in the league. The puzzle pieces around him might change from time to time, but Maswanganyi is always there.
Fixtures
Jose Riveiro’s men have three league encounters to prepare for in the next month and they’ve also got two tasty Caf Champions League clashes on the horizon. The visit of African champions Al Ahly on 06 December is one to get in the diary. There’s also the prospect of a meeting with Bafana and former Cape Town City striker Khanyisa Mayo when Pirates go North to face Belouizdad of Algeria on 26 November.
- Belouizdad vs Pirates: Tue, 26 November, kickoff time TBC
- Pirates vs Stellenbosch: Sat, 30 November, 15:30
- Gallants vs Pirates: Tue, 03 December, 19:30
- Pirates vs Al Ahly: Fri, 06 December, kickoff time TBC
- Pirates vs Golden Arrows: Tue, 10 December, 19:30
Do you think Gilberto will become an important member of the side?
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