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Did Pirates Do Enough For Riveiro In 3 Seasons

Did Pirates Do Enough For Riveiro In 3 Seasons

Orlando Pirates Jose Riveiro

After Orlando Pirates hovered around second position for a third year running, Soccer Laduma analyses whether the club have done enough in the transfer market for Jose Riveiro.

The Buccaneers were very active in the transfer market in Riveiro's first season, bringing on board a completely new team, with over ten players signed.

However, the question remains that did The Ghosts buy quality or added quantity to the squad?

In hindsight, out of that contingent of new signings, goalkeeper Sipho Chaine has proven to be a good buy from Chippa United, even though he arrived almost under the radar, as he has stabilized the club's goalkeeping department.  

READ: Saleng’s Comeback In Sight As Pirates Eye Historic Finish

Kermit Erasmus was considered a marquee signing in the 2022/23 season, with the likes of Monnapule Saleng (after his return from loan at Moroka Swallows) and Terrence Dzvukamanja taking centre stage in front of goal.

In attack, players signed in the Spanish coach's first season did not live up to their billing, including Marou Souaibou, Bienvenu Eva Nga, Ndumiso Mabena and to a certain extend Craig Martin.

Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki have had relative success after they also arrived in the 2022/23 term.

Evidence Makgopa and Makhehlene Makhaula were some of the recruits in that campaign. 

READ: Mbele Tipped To Return To Pirates Alongside New Coach

To a degree, the Soweto giants improved the quality of players they bought for the 2023/24 season, after they signed Patrick Maswanganyi from SuperSport United and later Thalenthe Mbatha from the same club in January. 

However, Mbatha was a relative unknown while Maswanganyi was also yet to prove himself beyond reasonable doubt in the PSL. 

Other interesting signings included Lesedi Kapinga from Mamelodi Sundowns and Katlego Otladisa from Marumo Gallants. 

However, the two gifted midfielders did not get enough minutes and were later released.

Thabiso Lebitso and Karim Kimvuidi are some of the new players that arrived in the last campaign.

The signings in the 2024/24 season were really disappointing, especially with the title rivalry with Sundowns intensifying. 

Notable signings were Deano Van Rooyen, Selaelo Rasebotja and Gilberto, were other recruits coming from lower divisions.

 

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