Orlando Pirates have stiff competition for places in the wide attacking areas. Some dominoes could fall in January.
Orlando Pirates star Otladisa wanted in the PSL
According to SoccerLaduma, Sekhukhune United and Polokwane want to hand Katlego Otladisa a lifeline at the top level. The former Marumo Gallants star has found things tough with the Sea Robbers, hardly featuring in match-day squads. A loan move away in January is a strong possibility. Even former club Gallants are interested. With Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Monnapule Saleng and Gilberto ahead of 28-year-old Otladisa in the pecking order for wide attacking berths, the player himself is keen to engineer a move away.
Meanwhile, Azola Tshobeni is back with Pirates after spending three loan seasons away. The playmaker was with JDR Stars in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Coach Jose Riveiro must work out how to best use the talented left-footer. The 22-year-old will need to make the grade this season or else Pirates may believe his ship has sailed.
Gilberto has yet to make his mark
New R11m signing, Angolan winger Gilberto, has had to bide his time for opportunities in the first team. Monnapule Saeng, Relebohile Mofokeng and breakout star Mohau Nkota are all ahead of him in the pecking order for wide attacking berths. If Kwayiba arrives, could this make his position even more at risk? The 23-year-old signed from Petro de Luanda has made only three Betway Premiership appearances this term and they’ve totalled a mere 113 minutes of playing time.
Upcoming fixtures
Riveiro’s men have a trio of league encounters to prepare for in the next five weeks and they’ve also got two tasty Caf Champions League clashes on the horizon. The visit of African champions Al Ahly on 06 December is one to get in the diary. There’s also the prospect of a meeting with Bafana and former Cape Town City striker Khanyisa Mayo when Pirates go North to face Belouizdad of Algeria.
- Pirates vs Richards Bay: Tue, 05 November, 19:30
- Belouizdad vs Pirates: Tue, 26 November, kickoff time TBC
- Pirates vs Stellenbosch: Sat, 30 November, 15:30
- Gallants vs Pirates: Tue, 03 December, 19:30
- Pirates vs Al Ahly: Fri, 06 December, kickoff time TBC
Will Gilberto prove his worth?
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