Orlando Pirates face a transitional period when serial winner Jose Riveiro leaves at the end of the season. Who stands to benefit?
Orlando Pirates players who might enjoy Riveiro’s exit
Tshegofatso Mabasa was a substitute against Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final. When big games roll around, you can usually see what a manager’s preferred XI is, and Mabasa often misses out on those grand occasions. With the club braced for offers to sign 25-year-old Evidence Makgopa, whose value is higher, Mabsasa might see a long-term future at Pirates. That didn’t seem so likely three months ago.
Is this the best Orlando Pirates XI after Riveiro leaves?
A surplus of defenders
Meanwhile, the ever-reliable Tapelo Xoki has played a lot of minutes this season because of injuries. However, when everyone is fully fit, he’s found himself out of the side. 19-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi is a massive prospect, but Xoki will fancy his chances of ousting Nkosinathi Sibisi. Like Xoki, Sibisi was also born in 1995, so both players have a few years left in the tank. Let’s also not forget that Thabiso Sesane will return from a long-term injury, and there’s also the talented Nigerian star Olisa Ndah to factor into the equation.
Which players will benefit most from having a new manager?
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