Orlando Pirates fans will be eager to see more from one of their recent expensive recruits. Does he have the minerals?
Gilberto is struggling to nail down a place
New R11m signing, Angolan winger Gilberto, has had to bide his time for opportunities in the first team. Monnapule Saeng, Relebohile Mofokeng and breakout star Mohau Nkota are all ahead of him in the pecking order for wide attacking berths. If Kwayiba arrives, could this make his position even more at risk? The 23-year-old signed from Petro de Luanda has made only three Betway Premiership appearances this term and they’ve totalled a mere 113 minutes of playing time. In total, he’s made eight appearances for the Buccaneers across all competitions totalling 251 minutes. He’ll need to quickly shed the ‘super sub’ tag after such a pricy transfer.
Mofokeng’s move to Europe is an issue of when, not if
Meanwhile, former Bucs development coach Mandla Qhogi isn’t pulling any punches about where he sees Rele’s future playing out. Teenager Mohau Nkota, who recently bagged a brace against AmaZulu, is a target for Standard Liege in Belgium.
Via SoccerLaduma:
“For me, it will be a good time for him (Mofokeng) to go overseas. It is the right time and there are things that he would learn if he were to move now at this stage of his career. The more we keep him this side it could mean that we are delaying him. He is 20, and I think it is the right time for him to move if he has to be sold overseas,” said Qhogi.
Upcoming fixtures for the Sea Robbers
Riveiro’s men have a trio of league encounters to prepare for in the next five weeks 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.
- Pirates vs Richards Bay: Tue, 05 November, 19:30
- 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
Will Gilberto justify his massive price tag given a bit more time?
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