Pirates coach opens up on player loan decision

On a busy deadline day, Swallows announced the signing of Bongani Sam from Orlando Pirates, with this deal eventually confirmed as a loan deal despite some initial confusion.

In other news that was confirmed on Tuesday, Pirates confirm that the club had reached an agreement with SuperSport United for the services of Zakhele Lepasa, who will join Matsatsantsa on loan for the rest of the season.

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Lepasa has mainly had to make do with a role on the bench for Pirates this season, and coach Jose Riveiro has now explained why they were happy to let the 26-year-old receive an opportunity elsewhere.

“I wish all the best to Zakhele because he is a fantastic guy and a very good football player,” Riveiro said, as quoted by TimesLive. “Like I said before, this is a very competitive environment with 36 players in the squad and there is no possibility to guarantee any minutes to anyone. I understand all the players who decide they need to play more and they want to find those possibilities at a different place.

“It is something I will have to respect and accept and hopefully he will show the player that he is at SuperSport United. It is a normal thing in football, especially when you think about a big and quality squad like we have.”

Meanwhile, according to leading SABC Sport journalist Mazola Molefe, 28-year-old playmaker Tebogo Tlolane is now also set to be loaned out, and he will head to Maritzburg United once again, having spent time at the KZN club since 2020.

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During this January window, Pirates confirmed the signing of highly-regarded Cameroonian striker Souaibou Marou, and it was always going to be interesting to see what other business the Buccaneers concluded during the January transfer window.

In another major development, AmaZulu skipper Makhehleni Makhaula had agreed personal terms on a pre-contract with Pirates and will join them effective immediately. It was suggested that with no clear indications from AmaZulu in terms of discussing an improved contract, Pirates swooped in to secure the somewhat surprise signing of the 33-year-old midfielder.

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Pirates shared the following statement about the deal

“The club would like to thank AmaZulu management for the professional manner in how the transfer of Makhaula was handled. Usuthu, through the leadership and guidance of Chairman Sandile Zungu, was transparent and cooperative throughout the negotiations, making the process quick and smooth for both clubs. We would like to commend the board for their conduct and wish them all the best for the remainder of the season.”

In a statement, AmaZulu club president Sandile Zungu commended the experienced midfielder’s professionalism since joining Usuthu two and a half years ago.

“Makhaula leaves with our full blessings. He has served the club very well as captain and was the recipient of the President’s and the player’s player of the year awards two seasons ago with merit,” said Zungu.