Could Orlando Pirates be set to make a U-turn on their January transfer window plans?

Orlando Pirates could be set to make a quick U-Turn on their January transfer plans, if the latest comments from co-coach Fadlu Davids are anything to go by.

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Having previously hinted that Pirates will be looking internally for any possible strengthening earlier this month, Davids tone seems to have changed. 

Davids initially hinted at no new signings

Pirates had been linked with a whole host of players even after the previous transfer window had shut. That would’ve given their supporters a bit of excitement as well as encouragement at possible new arrivals at least making their way to Mayfair in the new year. Davids however, seemed to shut those prospects down when he spoke of the returning players covering the cracks for the Buccs. 

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“I think this transfer window we’ll get some great signings but that will be internally, if you take Vincent Pule being back , Thembinkosi Lorch being back and Zakhele Lepasa being back or Richard Ofori being back (from injuries). Let’s be honest, Lepasa, Lorch and Pule are our starting front-three and it’s clear that we’re missing them,”

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“So that’s the boost we will get in January, with all our main players coming back. Innocent Maela is also back – he is a starting line-up player who is just getting his fitness back and passing his minimal requirements. He got some minutes in the away leg in the Caf Confederation Cup (the first leg of their play-off against LPRC Oilers). So more than us needing to strengthen in areas, we will soon be back to full-strength and especially up front.”  Davids had said previously on Pirates’ transfer plans for January.

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His recent comments, however, seem to indicate a change of heart from Pirates, who, as the window draws nearer seem intent to strengthen their squad for the rigours that lie ahead.

He has now hinted at a possible transfer U-Turn

“There are some internal discussions in terms of those areas that we need to strengthen. It showed now with Ofori being out for long, our front area in terms of number 10s, attacking players with Lorch, Pule and Makgaka coming in now, just missing the last three matches,”  Davids told the media when asked about Pirates’ transfer plans. 

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Those rigours are set to come in the sense of all the competitions Pirates are set to be competing in, in the new year. Davids hinted that, that would factor into the club’s thinking. 

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“There are areas that we have identified, but those discussions are internal, you don’t want to be quoting positions but on the whole, there are departments that need quality in depth to be able to sustain us in a period where we are going into CAF its group stages where there is a match every three days and you know you don’t want to rotate, you want to play the strongest team but there are gonna be these moments where you bring in another player but you don’t lose the structure and have a big dip in terms of replacements. Of course, we are always striving to be stronger and better and that is what we will do,” 

Who would you like to see join Pirates in January?

Pirates have been linked with the likes of Victor Letsoalo, Thabo Nodada, Chibuike Ohizu as well as Ethiopian wonderkid Abubekir Nassir, which of these players would you like to see join the Buccs ship?