Orlando Pirates transfer RECAP: R25 million spent, here’s what they got
Orlando Pirates have brought in several fresh new faces and there are a couple of loan returnees with points to prove and some pending sales.
Orlando Pirates bring in six new players, 11 in total return to Mayfair
Who are the confirmed new signings?
Gilberto, 23, right winger, R11.1 million from Petro de Luanda
Deano van Rooyen, 27, right-back, R7 million from Stellenbosch
Thalente Mbatha, 24, central midfielder, R7 million from SuperSport
Selaelo Rasebotja, 23, right-sided midfielder, free transfer from SuperSport
Thuso Moleleki, 24, playmaker, free transfer from Orbit College
Azola Tshobeni, 22, attacking midfielder, returns from loan
Goodman Mosele, 24, central midfielder, returns from loan
Boitumelo Radiopane, 22, striker, returns from loan
Sphamandla Gumede, goalkeeper, returns from loan
Siyabonga Dladla, goalkeeper, promoted from the youth side
Mohau Nkota, right winger, promoted from the youth side
Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix
Freshening up the midfield
Thuso Moleleki from Orbit College and Selaelo Rasebotja from SuperSport give Jose Riveiro a few dynamic options in the middle of the park. Meanwhile, the impressive 24-year-old Thalente Mbatha will be a key operator after signing permanent terms after a successful loan spell from SuperSport. Mbatha is now also a full Bafana Bafana international. Miguel Timm and Makhehlene Makhaula have serious competition for their places in the Bucs engine room.
Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha in the DStv Premiership against Cape Town Spurs. Image: BackpagePix
Radiopane returns to Mayfair with a point to prove
22-year-old Boitumelo Radiopane has returned to Pirates after a loan spell with Cape Town Spurs. The young striker made nine appearances in the league for the Mother City side last term and one outing in the Nedbank Cup. The Sebokeng-born forward is highly regarded by the Buccaneers and could feature in cup competitions this term. ‘Radioman’ also spent the 2022-2023 campaign with Spurs after top scoring in the 2021-2022 Diski Challenge with 24 goals. Can his prolific ways at the DDC level translate into goals in the senior side? We’ll be following his progress closely.
Will he get game time in the cup competitions? The pathway to the first team is relatively blocked with Makgopa and Mabasa ahead of him in the pecking order.
Will Pirates go all the way in 2024-2025?
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