Orlando Pirates have often proven that they can shop across the globe without hesitation, and today I thought I would look at the players that Bucs have snatched from Europe.
Benni McCarthy (Free Agent)
What better name to start with than Benni McCarthy? The striker wasn’t technically signed from a European team due to him being a free agent, but Pirates was the first club he joined after his stint in the English Premier League came to an end.
Luis Boa Morte (AE Larissa – Greece)
The Portuguese international may have had a torrid time with the Sea Robbers, but he was signed from Europe. After spending just one year with Greece’s AE Larissa, Boa Morte opted to ply his trade in Gauteng.
Isaac Chansa (Helsingborgs IF – Sweden)
The friendly Zambian left Orlando Pirates to join Sweden’s Helsingborgs back in 2007, but after two seasons in Europe, Chansa made his way back to Mzansi. He signed with Pirates again for his second stint, which lasted two more years.
Thembinkosi Fanteni (Maccabi Haifa – Israel)
The striker’s only cameo in Europe was with Maccabi Haifa. However, he failed to hit form in Israel and he joined Orlando Pirates on a loan spell in 2009. He then made a return to Ajax Cape Town the following season.
Siyabonga Nomvethe (Udinese – Italy)
The current Moroka Swallows man left Kaizer Chiefs for Italy’s Udinese. He was then loaned out on three occasions before opting to return to Mzansi. Orlando Pirates was his first stop back in his country, before joining AaB and eventually Swallows.
Thabang Molefe (Le Mans – France)
Famous for having fractured David Beckham’s wrist in the 2002 World Cup, Molefe was on the books of France’s Le Mans before making the switch to Orlando Pirates in 2005. He ended his career after his contract with Pirates.
Godfrey Sapula (Ankaragücü – Turkey)
The 41-year-old’s only stint in Europe was in Turkey between 1999 and 2000. He then made a return back to Mzansi where he joined Orlando Pirates for two seasons. Sapula then moved on to enjoy stints at Sundowns and Platinum Stars.
Ghosts, who do you think was Pirates’ best signing from Europe?
