The forgotten man, South Africa’s best player?

Orlando Pirates currently have arguably the best player in South Africa on their books. Do you agree?

Pirates lead title fight

Will Orlando Pirates make it that far in 2024-25? They have a huge chance. After finishing second last season and picking up winners’ medals in the Nedbank Cup and MTN8, Jose Riveiro’s side are looking to take things to the next level. They have been looking to do just that in the transfer market. A few high-profile signings could make them real players.

Acquisitions of famous brands

The new 23-year-old right winger Deivi Miguel Vieira, in short Gilbertogave Pirates fans a taste of what he is capable of on the football pitch by scoring in a recent 1-1 draw against Spanish LaLiga side Granada. Assistant coach Carlos Nodar Paz, as well as new recruits Gilberto, midfielder Selaelo Rasebotja, goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla, winger Mohau Nkota and No. 10 playmaker Alsoo Moleleki, These are six very welcome new signings for a team hoping to seriously challenge for the title next season.

What’s next?

Thalente Mbatha was recently spotted on vacation in Spain in a post SA Football on Facebook. One reader commented: “Orlando Pirates are the only local club I could sign with, hypothetically…”

Talented 24-year-old midfielder Mbatha shone for the Sea Robbers last season on loan from SuperSport. He made 16 appearances in all competitions and was a key figure in the engine room, always being picked for the big games while Jose Riveiro moved other pieces around him. Pirates have added talent to the game in the aforementioned Moleleki and Rasebotja to an already heavily staffed midfield.

Orlando Pirates Player Mbatha — Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha in the DStv Premiership against Cape Town Spurs. Photo: BackpagePix

TSHOBENI TO RETURN TO ORLANDO PIRATES AFTER LOAN

There are many recent examples of players who have left Pirates for valuable game time and returned as more complete players. Monnapule Saleng, Golden Boot winner Tshegofatso Mabasa and 22-year-old centre-back Thabiso Sesane are three shining examples. Now 22-year-old forgotten star Azola Tshobeni wants to be another. He has been on loan at the Motsepe Foundation Championship for the past two campaigns. A FootballLaduma The source gave the following information about Tshobeni’s new life in Pirates:

“The coach has shown that there are no favourites. If you are good enough and work hard, you will get your chance. Look at Sesane, he wasn’t even in the matchday squad but he worked hard and managed to play in the Nedbank Cup final.”

Tshobeni, an elegant left-footed attacking midfielder, last featured for Pirates in the 2020-21 season, making eight appearances in all competitions while still a teenager.

WILL PIRATS CATCH UP THE WEST AND GAIN THEIR TITLE?

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