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Whose time is up at Pirates? (Part 1)

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Orlando Pirates
  • Post published:June 12, 2018

The arrival of nine new players at Mayfair could spell the end of a number of Orlando Pirates players’ careers, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

Wayne Sandilands:

Bought from Mamelodi Sundowns last season to shore up the goalkeeping department and did well, until he conceded that goal from Hlompho Kekana from the half-way line.

The arrival of Brilliant Khuzwayo is likely to put the shot-stopper third/fourth in the pecking order, closer to a MDC starting-berth, than to a place on Bucs’ bench.

Marc Van Heerden:

Despite possessing a lethal left-foot, the former AmaZulu never managed to cement a spot in the first-team.

The arrival of Paseka Mako, will no doubt see Van Heerden move further down the hierarchy, behind Innocent Maela, Thabo Matlaba, Phetso Maphanga and Mako.

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Issa Sarr:

The Senegalese defensive-midfielder played a total of six games under coach Milutin Sredojevic last season, mostly appearing as a second-half substitute.

When coach Micho was chopping-and-changing midfielder’s to partner alongside Musa Nyatama during the early stages of their 2017-18 campaign, Sarr was hardly called upon, so it would come as no surprise if the former Chippa United man were to leave.

Mpho Makola:

A hotly-contested debate amongst the Pirates supporters – Makola, to stay or leave?
When on song, there’s no doubting Makola’s ability to dictate terms in the midfield, while making an impact on the scoreline.

Last season, the former Free State Stars man endured one of his worst seasons at Mayfair, registering two assists and two goals in all competitions, while playing second-fiddle to the likes of Thembinkosi Lorch and Luvuyo Memela.

Makola may be retained on the basis of experience, but with the acquisitions of Linda Mntambo, Vincent Pule and Kudakwashe Mahachi, the former Free State Stars man’s time at Mayfair could be up.

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Thamsanqa Gabuza:

With a goal-shy return of 11 goals in 78 games in all competitions, it remains a mystery as to why Gabuza has remains part of the Pirates squad.

The argument that his robust style of play ‘brings something different to the squad’ is null and void with Pirates bringing in similar talisman in Augustine Mulenga and Justin Shonga.

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Photo: Backpagepix