Orlando Pirates‘ management will make decisions on players’ future soon. One of them is the veteran goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane.
SIYABONGA MPONTSHANE TO LEAVE ORLANDO PIRATES?
Mpontshane joined the Buccaneers way back in 2015 from the now-defunct Platinum Stars. The 38-year-old star has since made 88 appearances that include 34 clean sheets for Orlando Pirates. Mpontshane was a regular until the arrivals of Richard Ofori, Sipho Chaine and Melusi Buthelezil, who are viewed as the future of Orlando Pirates’ goalkeeping options.
According to available information, the former Nathi Lions star from Ingwavuma, KwaZulu Natal, will see his deal with the Soweto giants end on 30 June – a year after he signed a surprise one-year extension.
Full list of Orlando Pirates players with expiring deals:
- Richard Ofori, 30, goalkeeper (option to extend)
- Siyabonga Mpontshane, 37, goalkeeper
- Olisa Ndah, 26, central defender
- Sandile Mthethwa, 26, central defender
- Thalente Mbatha, 24, central midfielder (option to make loan deal permanent)
- Thabang Monare, 34, central midfielder
- Fortune Makaringe, 30, attacking midfielder
- Deon Hotto, 33, left-wing-back
- Zakhele Lepasa, 27, forward
- Kermit Erasmus, 33, forward.
WHAT THE BUCCANEERS NEED TO CATCH MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
In other news, former Orlando Pirates superstar, Teko Modise, has rated Jose Riveiro‘s side against the supreme Mamelodi Sundowns.
Jose Riveiro’s side has impressed by lifting two MTN8 titles and the Nedbank Cup. Should Orlando Pirates win the upcoming Nedbank semifinal and subsequent final, the list of accolades could become four trophies. According to Modise, the team’s league inconsistent results leave them below the level of Mamelodi Sundowns.
“It’s a difficult one because everyone wants Mamelodi Sundowns to be challenged by Orlando Pirates,” said Modise via FARPost.
“But looking at the gap now, Orlando Pirates should be playing for [CAF] Champions League position, not the league per se.
“But what troubles Pirates is the consistency because they play so well in cup competitions. I think they have the know-how as to how to win cup competitions.
“However, the consistency in the league becomes a problem. You look at the record they have this season on away games, it’s not convincing, it’s not a team you should be winning a league with that type of record.
“So, next season, if they can try and balance that, be as dominant as they are at home and away. I think that would chance for them to win the league,” the former Orlando Pirates attacker concluded.
Meanwhile, the Sea Robbers will host AmaZulu in a DStv Premiership game at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off will be at 17:30.
You can find more articles from Siseko Gwegwe here.