Only half of the 16 DStv Premiership teams will go into the draw for the Nedbank Cup Last 16 later on Monday, 14 February. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
‘What Orlando Pirates need in this window,’ according to Gavin Lane
It’s the January window. DStv Premiership giants Orlando Pirates have uncharacteristically made zero signings. Gavin Lane has revealed what he expects.
Only half of the 16 DStv Premiership teams will go into the draw for the Nedbank Cup Last 16 later on Monday, 14 February. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Here’s something, Orlando Pirates are yet to sign any player and it is the middle of the January transfer window. Is history set to change?
ORLANDO PIRATES NEEDS A SPINE SAYS LANE
So the club may at least make one or two signings before the window shuts down at the end of the month, maybe just keep tradition and manage fans’ expectations.
Perhaps Orlando Pirates simply need to make key decisions on player signings, what type of players should be recruited?
According to Gavin Lane, the spine (goalkeeper, central defender, central midfielder and centre forward) is what will take the Buccaneers forward after the break.
“If you don’t have a good spine in your team it will be difficult for you to win matches,” Lane said via Goal.
“You need a quality striker, a good central midfielder and great centre half, and obviously your goalkeeper is also vital. So, that is what they need to look for. [in the transfer markt]”
“Looking at the players that Pirates have, some of their centre-halves are good, but they should start taking responsibility or taking control of things at the back during match,” Lane stressed.
“You have to be ruthless at the back and start demanding things.
“When we were playing, most of the time John Moeti was the captain, but sometimes Edward Motale would also captain the team,” – Orlando Pirates legend Gavin Lane.
ALSO READ: Orlando Pirates’ best signings in the January transfer window
PIRATES PLAYERS YOUNGER THAN CHIEFS AND SUNDOWNS TEAMS
DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns have the best footballers in Mzansi. What they also have is a solid group of players in their mid-30s!
Though Amakhosi do have a decent number of players in their 30s, it is still not quite as much as you find at Kabo Yellow.
Orlando Pirates have even fewer footballers in their 30s than both Chiefs and Sundowns.
Ages of Sundowns, Chiefs, and Pirates’ BEST players/regulars:
Sundowns: Denis Onyango (36), Ricardo Nascimento (34), Lyle Lakay (30), Andile Jali (31), Themba Zwane (32), and Peter Shalulile (28). Extra mentions: SIbusiso Vilakazi (32), Kermit Erasmus (31). Read the full story here.
ALSO READ: Chiefs, Pirates, and Sundowns’ standings in Africa’s top 10 most valuable clubs
