Orlando Pirates have had a busy and eventful period, with significant developments on and off the field:
1. **Recent Match Performance**: Pirates recently secured a 2-1 victory over Chippa United in a Betway Premiership match held at Orlando Stadium. Monnapule Saleng was the hero of the night, scoring a last-minute header to secure the win. The team had to come from behind after Chippa took an early lead through Andile Jali. Pirates showed resilience, with Saleng’s late winner sealing the three points in front of their home fans【18†source】.
2. **New Signings**: Pirates have bolstered their squad with several new acquisitions. Notably, they signed Angolan winger Delvi Miguel Vieira, known as Gilberto, from Petro Atletico. Gilberto, who recently impressed at the African Cup of Nations, joins on a three-year deal, reportedly costing around R12 million. The club also added two other new faces, Thalenthe Mbatha and Thabiso Lebitso, to strengthen their attack. Meanwhile, striker Tshegofatso Mabasa returned to the club after a loan spell at Moroka Swallows【19†source】【21†source】.
3. **Goalkeeper Changes**: Pirates signed promising young goalkeeper Ethan Khel from NC Professionals. Khel impressed during the ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs and now joins Pirates to fill the gap left by the departure of goalkeepers Richard Ofori and Siyabonga Mpontshane. Pirates have also recalled Sphamandla Gumede from his loan spell to reinforce their goalkeeping department【20†source】.
4. **Departures**: The club confirmed the exit of striker Eva Nga after a mutual agreement to part ways. Nga had been with the Buccaneers for one and a half seasons and his departure is part of the broader squad reshuffle Pirates are undertaking as they aim to build on their success from last season【19†source】.
These moves underscore Orlando Pirates’ ambition to remain competitive both domestically and in continental competitions as they prepare for the upcoming DStv Premiership season and the CAF Champions League.
