Thabo Qalinge of Orlando Pirates greeting fans during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 match between Orlando Pirates and Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto on the 11 May 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Thabo Qalinge completes move to Supersport United
After weeks training with Supersport United, former Orlando Pirates midfielder Thabo Qalinge has made it official with the Tshwane club.
Thabo Qalinge of Orlando Pirates greeting fans during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 match between Orlando Pirates and Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto on the 11 May 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Supersport United have announced the signing of midfielder Thabo Qalinge, who last played for Orlando Pirates.
The skillful winger was one of a host of players released by the Buccaneers at pre-season, and had spent weeks on trial with the Tshwane giants.
Thabo Qalinge back where it all began
Two matches into the new season, he was unveiled as the newest member of the Matsatsansa family, joining on a one-year deal with the option of a further two years.
This marks a second stint at the club for the player, who began his youth career there before signing his first professional contract with the now-defunct Mpumalanga Black Aces.
United chief executive Stanley Matthews welcomed Qalinge back at the club.
“ts good to have Thabo back for a second stint at the club,” he is quoted on Supersport United’s official Twitter account.
“He has matured and gained immense experience since his first spell with us and we hope he makes the most of this opportunity to show South Africa what he has in his locker and how he can help us win trophies and push hard for a Top four spot in the PSL.”
Stanley Matthews
Thank Qalinge becomes the third player to make the switch from Orlando Pirates to Supersport United in the ongoing transfer window.
Prior to the beginning of the season, forwards Thamsanqa Gabuza and Kudakwashe Mahachi joined the club, and both had a run against their former side in a 3-0 victory on Wednesday night.
New beginning for the winger
Qalinge joins having struggled with injury and lack of game time throughout his stint at the Soweto giants.
Since moving to Pirates from Aces, the 27-year-old only amassed a total of 61 league appearances across five season, the most productive being the 2017/18 campaign where he featured 16 times, netting three of his four league goals for the club.
His move to United comes just after one of the key players at his position Aubrey Modiba suffered an injury which could see him ruled out for a lengthy period.
The winger also has a solitary international cap, eaned in 2014.
Qalinge will be available for selection for his new club when they take on Bidvest Wits in the last MTN 8 quarterfinal on Sunday afternoon.
Supersport and eighth on the PSL log with one win and a defeat, and return to league action with a visit to FNB Stadium, where they will face Kaizer Chiefs.
