Orlando Pirates are expected to spend big during the next transfer period after a disappointing season.
The Buccaneers only had the MTN8 to show despite a promising start to the 2024/25 season. Things collapsed towards the end when the team lost the CAF Champions League, the Betway Premiership and the Nedbank Cup.
Under Jose Riveiro, Orlando Pirates won five trophies in three season, making them a team to beat in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). With the Spaniard gone, the Sea Robbers have to find a suitable coach who can lift the club.
With the new season kicking off in August, the Buccaneers still have plenty of time to bring in new players. The Soweto giants have been linked with several top players in recent weeks but here’s how they can lineup with new players:
Sipho Chaine (GK)
Chaine has been solid in goals and has earned two national caps for Bafana Bafana. The 28-year-old has been the country’s second keeper next to Rownen Williams and is expected to feature for Orlando Pirates for many years.
Deano van Rooyen (RB)
The former Stellenbosch captain has been solid since joining the Buccaneers last year. He has made the right-back position his own.
Orlando Pirates have too many centre backs now
Nkosinathi Sibisi (CB)
The former Golden Arrows defender has done well this season and deserves his place in the starting eleven. With experienced players such as Olisah Ndah and Tapelo Xoki still at the club, it remains to be seen what changes will be made.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi (CB)
The 19-year-old has been exceptional since making his debut for Orlando Pirates earlier this year. Nicknamed ‘TLB’, Mbokazi is a sure starter going forward.
Fawaaz Basadien (LB)
With the departures of Paseka Mako and Innocent Maela, the Buccaneers need a quality left-back. Basadien is available and if the Bucs management are willing to pay big money, then Basadien might be in black and white colours next season.
Makhehlene Makhaula (DM)
The 36-year-old midfielder has been an engine for the team in recent years and will continue once again next season. The club need to find a suitable replacement this coming season in case the midfielder gets injured.
Thalente Mbatha (CM)
Mbatha has brought energy to the Orlando Pirates midfield and also has an eye for goals. He is not going anywhere anytime soon and should improve his game for sure next season. He has at times been sloppy with his passes but with the right coach, he should fix his game management.
Sinoxolo Kwayiba (AM)
The Chippa United star has been heavily linked with the Buccaneers in recent weeks. According to some reports, the deal is as good as done. If Kwayiba joins Pirates, then the likes of Patrick Maswanganyi might be forced to improve their game.
Relebohile Mofokeng (RW)
Mofokeng is under the radar of many teams abroad but it seems no big offer has been made for the Bafana Bafana star. He might stay for another season and if that happens, expect him to be sharper and more clinical.
Mohau Nkota (LW)
Having earned a Bafana Bafana cap, the 20-year-old winger is one of the players to watch next season for Orlando Pirates. Since his debut last year, Nkota has impressed and can only improve from here.
Tshegofatso Mabasa (FW)
Mabasa is the best Orlando Pirates striker at the moment, despite Evidence Makgopa being the lead striker. He should be allowed to start matches and given Nkota and Mofokeng’s creativity, he should replicate his 2023/24 form.
Who should the Buccaneers sign?
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