Throughout the current transfer window, Orlando Pirates' striker Justin Shonga has been linked with a move away from the club. Just how much would Bucs miss the forward should they accept an offer for his services?
Read: Bucs Reportedly Turned Down By Target
Who Wants Him?
There appears to be three interested parties for the striker's signature as Spanish side, Eibar have shown an interest as well as Simba FC of Tanzania and Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly. Was is clear is that it would take a significant fee to prize him away.
What Bucs Would Lose
Scoring:
Shonga got 13 goals in all competitions last season, the second-most in Pirates' squad after Thembinkosi Lorch's 15 goals (9 PSL, 6 cups). With five of the Zambian's goals coming in the CAF Champions League, his departure would be a major hit to Bucs' ambition in continental competition.
However, Shonga only netted six times in the PSL. He averaged 315 minutes of action per goal scorer with Luvuyo Memela (192), Lorch (221) and Vincent Pule (256) all score more frequently in terms of minutes per goal.
Read: Multimillion-Rand Price Tag For Bucs Star?
The Zambian needed on average 11.5 shots to score a goal last season, with all of the main attacking midfielders again outperforming him and all of them having better shooting accuracies. Three of Shonga's goals in all competitions came from direct freekicks, so his scoring record in open play is nothing to write home about.
Lorch – one goal every 6.44 shots (53% shot accuracy)
Memela – one goal every 5.0 shots (40% shot accuracy)
Pule – one goal every 8.5 shots (38% shot accuracy)
Shonga – one goal every 11.5 shots (30% shot accuracy)
Creating:
This is one area where Shonga would be missed, especially with his delivery from dead-ball situations. In all competitions, he provided seven assists as only Augustine Mulenga (9) and Memela (7) could match that. Of course, the latter spent much of the season out injured and his return meant that Shonga's prowess from set-plays was less important.
Who Could Replace Him?
In this transfer window, Pirates have made numerous new signings with two of those capable of playing as an out-and-out striker. Tshegofatso Mabasa had a strong season for Bloemfontein Celtic, scoring nine league goals at a rate of one every 176 minutes on the pitch. Gabadinho Mhango was also signed and he netted three goals in his limited minutes; one every 172 minutes played. The Malawian striker also possessed an excellent shot accuracy of 44%.
Shonga would be a loss for his ability to score and create goals, especially in the CAF Champions League. However, the arrival of two new forwards and Pirates' excellent goals contribution from their attacking midfielders means that they can possibly absorb the loss. Shonga's goalscoring record last season was fairly disappointing, with too few of his shots hitting the target.
Do you think Pirates would miss Shonga? Who can take his place in the side? Let us know by commenting below!
