Saleng is a wanted man. ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
OPINION: Orlando Pirates still need a player in THIS position
Would you agree with this sentiment?
Saleng is a wanted man. ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates have a strong squad but there are still some areas for improvement and concern. Here’s how we see it.
Saleng and Dlamini have uncertain futures
Monnapule Saleng has long been linked with the Pirates exit door. Meanwhile, Kabelo Dlamini was mentioned as a target for Moroccan side Raja Casablanca. Interestingly, they’re coached by former Bucs boss Josef Zinnbauer who’s just one win away from securing the Botola Pro 1 league title ahead of soon-to-be Kaizer Chiefs boss Nasreddine Nabi. Although Dlamini’s not been a regular part of the furniture at the club, he did impress at the back end of 2022-23 with several notable contributions in the final third. In 2023-2024 he got two goals and two assists from 18 league appearances.
Inverted wingers are fashionable these days
Dlamini and Saleng are creative lefties who favour cutting in off the right-hand side onto their favoured foot. If Pirates lose the pair of them, they’ll lack balance. As things stand, Relebohile Mofokeng is the inverted option on the other flank so a left-footed upgrade/alternative is imperative. What are the options?
Otladisa is yet to get going at Orlando Pirates
Katlego Otladisa, who can operate as a number 10 or an inverted winger on the left-hand side, is still to announce himself at the club after being in and out of the side. He made a meagre nine appearances in the league last term. If the Buccaneers want an expensive, blockbuster alternative, SuperSport’s much-coveted teenage star Shandre Campbell would fit the bill. His left-footedness, and ability to play on both flanks, would make him an enticing upgrade on either Saleng or Dlamini. 18-year-old Campbell got two goals and five assists in 20 league appearances for Matsatsantsa in 2023-2024.
Signings promised by the board?
With qualification for the CAF Champions League and two more trophies in the cabinet, now’s a good time to be a Bucs fan. The club have also revealed that new signings could be imminent as they seek to seal a few key deals before embarking on their European tour.
“As we speak, management and the technical team are working on signing new players because they are supposed to travel with the rest of the squad when they leave in July. Anytime from today, the new players will be announced,” said the source.
Do you think a right-sided left-footer is what Pirates need to complete the puzzle?
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