Since the tragic passing of Senzo Meyiwa, Orlando Pirates have struggled to find a reliable goalkeeper.
Brighton Mhlongo was thought to be a rightful heir to Senzo’s throne, but, three years later, Bucs are still searching to fill the void. Mhlongo got his fair share of chances to establish himself as Bucs' number one goalkeeper, but he has never risen to the occasion. The Buccaneers tried to bring the likes of Siyabonga Mpontshane to solve their goalkeeping crisis, but it never worked out.
As if the goalkeeping crisis wasn't enough this past campaign, Bucs' missed out on a Top Eight finish. Of course, goalkeepers aren't solely to blame, but they should be relied upon when outfield players aren't doing well. The case in point is the likes of Itumeleng Khune, Moeneeb Josephs and Shuaib Walters. Those are some of the goalkeepers in world football who are always reliable when the chips are down.
Mhlongo had the potential to emulate and surpass Meyiwa, but he rested on his laurels for far too long. At the moment, Bucs are surely searching for a goalkeeper who could help bring back the good times at Mayfair. This surely leaves Mhlongo in a daze, as he should regularly be the first name on the team sheet. He has let Pirates down when they needed him the most.
Do you think Mhlongo should be replaced in Pirates’ first team?
*This article was written by a Soccer Laduma reader and reflects their opinion, not that of Soccer Laduma.
