Orlando Pirates will soon appoint a new skipper and make a decision regarding strikers Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa.
Central defensive depth is being tested
Thabiso Sesane and Olisa Ndah started as the first-choice pairing in Betway Premiership matches this season. However, Ndah has been struck down by injury to join Tapelo Xoki and Sandile Mthethwa on the treatment table. This makes Sesane’s role one of growing importance, and the 24-year-old is quietly becoming a pillar in the side and is approaching his best years as a central defender. He only made eight league appearances last term but 2024-2025 might be the campaign where he becomes a key operator for Jose Riveiro. Meanwhile, exciting youngster Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been promoted from the Diski Challenge side. Could Sesane become the new leader of this side?
The Makgopa/Mabasa decision looms large
Last season’s Golden Boot winner Tshegofatso Mabasa bagged 16 goals in the league. It would initially appear crazy to sell a player of his calibre, but if a massive offer from a wealthy suitor comes in, the Buccaneers board may think it’s the right time to sell the 28-year-old. His current deal expires in June but, according to transfermarkt, there’s a two-year extension option included. The popular website believes Mabasa’s value to be around €1.3 million, approximately R24.9 million. With rumoured interest from across Europe, the club won’t struggle to fetch a fee in this region for the red-hot marksman. If they play their cards right, they can extract considerably more money from the sale. His direct rival for a place in the Bucs starting XI, Evidence Makgopa, was preferred in the recent MTN8 final win. Makgopa is four years Mabasa’s junior, making his potential future resale value far higher.
Pirates fixtures on the horizon
After a surprise defeat to Magesi in the Carling Knockout, Pirates must dust themselves down and get back to basics in the Betway Premiership. They’ve also got some enticing Caf Champions League clashes on the horizon.
- AmaZulu (H) – 25 October, 19:30 kickoff
- TS Galaxy (A) – 29 October, 19:30 kickoff
- Stellenbosch (H) – 10 November, 15:30 kickoff
- Belouizdad (A) – 26 November, kickoff time TBC
- Gallants (A) – 03 December, 19:30 kickoff
- Al Ahly (H) – 06 December, kickoff time TBC
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