As Orlando Pirates gear up for their final showdown of the season, against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup final on June 1 at Mbombela Stadium, the focus is swiftly shifting towards the team's composition for the upcoming season.
Siya sources close to the Buccaneers have indicated that there should be a significant squad overhaul, with an estimated 10 players expected to be either released or loaned out to make room for new talent.
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The sources stated that the anticipated "clear out" is part of the club's strategy to rejuvenate the squad with fresh faces, as they aim to bolster their competitiveness.
Among those rumored to be on the exit list are goalkeepers Richard Ofori and Siyabonga Mpontshane, defenders Bandile Shandu, Bongani Sam, and Sandile Mthethwa, as well as midfielders Vincent Pule, Monnapule Saleng, Thabang Monare, Fortune Makaringe, and Deon Hotto. Strikers Kermit Erasmus and Cameroonian Souaibou Marou are also mentioned as potential departures.
"The people in the office are working hard on that list of players who will be leaving the team. It's not an easy one but there will be an overhaul at the end of the season. Most of the players whose contracts are coming to an end won't be renewed as the club is looking at bringing in new blood as well. As far as I am concerned most of those whose contracts were reviewed last season for one season won't be staying. It will be like a total clear out," a source disclosed to the Siya crew.
In addition to the releases, the club is also considering loan moves for several players, while others are set to return from their loan spells, according to a second Siya source.
"You see players like Boitumelo Radiopane, Azola Matrose, Azola Tshobeni and Cebo Mchunu are supposed to go back on loan to different teams again. There will be other players who the technical team and management will also decide to loan out and bring in other players in those departments. It will be a good clear out as it looks right now," the second Siya source stated.
The potential loan list includes Katlego Otladisa, Lesedi Kapinga, and Thabiso Sesane, indicating a broad scope of changes across the squad. This strategic move aims to refresh the team dynamics and inject new energy into Pirates' lineup, as they prepare to challenge for honours in the new season.
As the Nedbank Cup final approaches, the anticipation around Pirates' squad transformation adds an intriguing layer to the club's off-season plans. With a mix of departures and arrivals on the horizon, the Buccaneers are poised for a significant transition, aiming to strengthen their position in South African football.
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Soccer Laduma contacted Pirates for comment but the club had not responded by the time this story was published.
In their last PSL game of the campaign, Bucs host SuperSport United in a vital encounter that would determine whether they qualify for the Caf Champions League or not.
Pirates will have to win and also hope Stellenbosch FC drop points in order to overtake the Western Cape side into second spot. Only the top two clubs qualify for the Champions League.
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