Orlando Pirates boss Jose Riveiro and his technical staff have been suitably impressed with a returning fringe player. Is he ready for the first team?
Pirates recall Tshobeni who is training with the first team
Azola Tshobeni has spent the last three seasons on loan with JDR Stars in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The 22-year-old is training with the senior side and current Betway Premiership leaders. Coach Jose Riveiro must work out how to best use the talented left-footer.
A new focus on youth
19-year-old Mohau Nkota and Bafana star Relebohile Mofokeng, still only 20 and already a key figure for club and country, are leading the way for the youth at Pirates. Although 22-year-old Tshobeni is no longer a kid, he’s still definitely got time on his side.
Is Otladisa leaving?
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. Meanwhile, new R11m signing, Angolan winger Gilberto, has had to bide his time for opportunities in the first team. Monnapule Saleng, Mofokeng and breakout star Nkota are all ahead of him in the pecking order for wide attacking berths. The 23-year-old Gilberto has made only three Betway Premiership appearances this term and they’ve totalled a mere 113 minutes of playing time.
Five tasty fixtures upcoming for Orlando Pirates
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 up 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 Pirates land their targets?
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