Orlando Pirates have a mammoth Caf Champions League clash on the horizon against Belouizdad of Algeria. Here are the details.
Orlando Pirates fixtures
Jose Riveiro’s men have two league encounters to prepare for in the next two weeks and they’ve also got a pair of 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. That’s up next.
- 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
Mofokeng will be key in Orlando Pirates’ push for continental glory
A few more starring displays for Pirates and Bafana Bafana and more notoriety for the player on foreign soil could see his value and price skyrocket. It’s inevitable that a player with Mofokeng’s gifts will move abroad to test his mettle; Pirates must choose the right time for both their bank balance and the player’s welfare and development. Now is not that time. However, fast-forward two years and the Bucs board might be bringing in a mammoth transfer fee for one of the most talented players of his generation.
MVPs
As things stand, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Patrick Maswanganyi are the two most valuable stars at Pirates. The pair are each valued at €1.4 million, or approximately R27 million. Golden Boot holder Tshegofatso Mabasa follows closely at €1.3 million or approximately R25 million. Meanwhile, the trio of Tapelo Xoki, Deano van Rooyen and Monnapule Saleng are all valued at €1.2 million or R23 million. Big money signing Gilberto, who arrived for R11 million, is now valued at a lowly R3.8 million but there’s hope this number will grow as he grows accustomed to South African football.
New Caf Champions League numbers
The fabled number 10 jersey, retired in domestic league competition since Jomo Sono hung his boots up, is still available in continental competition. The honour has been handed to the silky left foot of Patrick Maswanganyi. Here are the other numbers including a strange choice for prodigy playmaker Mofokeng. The youngster became a bona fide star last season and is now a full Bafana Bafana international, capable of playing centrally or as a ball carrier in wide channels.
- Melusi Buthelezi – 1
- Relebohile Mofokeng – 3
- Siphelo Baloni – 22
- Patrick Maswanganyi – 10
- Thabiso Sesane – 28
Will Pirates go all the way in this season’s Caf Champions League?
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