In a surprising move last week, Orlando Pirates released six key players, including notable names such as Kermit Erasmus, Thabang Monare, Fortune Makaringe, Siyabonga Mpontshane, and Richard Ofori.
The decision has sparked speculation and concern among certain fans and former players alike. Edward Magents Motale, a former Pirates defender and captain who led the team to victory in the 1995 CAF Champions League, expressed his uncertainty about the club's decision in an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma.
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"You know it is hard to comment or say what really happened with the players which the team released. We don't really know why they did this. They should have kept some of those players but maybe they looked at their performances and decided to let them go. But we don't know why they did that. You can't release the players that you will need when playing in so many different tournaments," Motale told the Siya crew.
Orlando Pirates are set to compete in multiple competitions including the MTN8, the Carling Knockout, the PSL, the Nedbank Cup, and the CAF Champions League next season.
"We will play in all three tournaments at home starting with the MTN8, the Carling Knockout, the League and the Nedbank Cup then the CAF Champions League. To do well in all these competitions we needed to have a well-balanced squad with experienced players like Erasmus and Thabang (Monare). I really don't know why they released players who we still needed at least for the season looking at the competitions we will be involved in," Motale told Soccer Laduma.
The former Bafana Bafana defender also noted that the release of these players came as a surprise to him.
"Truly speaking it came as a surprise. We never do that and the team hasn't told us why they let them go. For now, all we can say is that we wish them all the best in their new journeys. They are good players and wherever they go they will do well for their new teams. Maybe it was time for them to move on to new challenges in their football life.
"All the best to all of them. But as a team we still needed their services mainly players like Kermit Erasmus and Thabang Monare. Their experience would have been vital playing in Africa," Motale concluded.
The release of these six players from Pirates raises questions about the club's strategy and planning for the upcoming season. As the team prepares to compete on multiple fronts, the absence of seasoned players could pose challenges. This decision might reflect a broader strategy shift or a move towards integrating newer talents into the squad. It may also mean that critics will need to wait until Bucs complete their overhaul by bringing in new senior players during the winter.
Only time will tell how this bold move will impact the team's performance in domestic and continental competitions next season.
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