Lifelong Orlando Pirates superfan Phillip Jwara, has revealed three players he would sign for the Buccaneers, if given a blank chequebook by boss Dr Irvin Khoza.
The Buccaneers under the tutelage of Spanish head coach Jose Riveiro have been in hot form, both in the league and cup competitions.
Riveiro, for the most part, has a balanced squad, which has yielded results with Pirates currently chasing a second-place finish in the DStv Premiership. They have also progressed to the Nedbank Cup finals, and won the MTN8 earlier in the campaign.
Pirates are believed to be keen on strengthening their squad for the new season and in light of this, the Siya crew spoke to Jwara who revealed his wishlist for Pirates.
"I have been a Pirates supporter all my life and I will remain one until I die. The one thing that has stood out for me at Pirates is the opportunities we have given youngsters. If you look from the time of Steve Lekoelea, Benedict Vilakazi, Lebohang Mokoena, Joseph Makhanya, Senzo Meyiwa, Andile Jali, Happy Jele and so many more players, we have given them a chance at Pirates and they have all gone on to become household names in South Africa and some have even gone abroad. That is why I would like to see more young players at Pirates."
Cassius Mailula
"It is not everyday where you find a regular goal-scorer at his age. The boy is a star and he has shown it with Sundowns this season. If I could, I would sign him at Orlando Pirates so that he can challenge the record of the late Lesley Manyathela, who was at a similar age to Mailula at the time of his passing. Since then, we haven't had another striker who has scored so many goals for the club, so I would bring that player from Sundowns."
Mduduzi Shabalala
"This boy, even though he plays for our rivals, has got the heart of a lion. If you look now, Chiefs are not doing well but the boy is using the opportunities when he gets them. He stands out in matches even when Chiefs are losing. Being a youngster, it would have been easy for him to hide away and not take on the challenge, but he puts his hands up in every game and tries to make a difference. That kind of character would be welcome at the Buccaneers."
Olwethu Makhanya
"When I found out how old he was, I couldn't believe it. He reminds me of Old John Mabizela who used to be Pirates' youngest captain and went overseas. If we can get him from Stellenbosch, he can do well at Pirates because our coach has also shown that he can play youngsters, even in big matches. Look at [Relebohile] Ratomo, the boy was given his chance and he will be a big star for us. Likewise with Makhanya, he can be a Bafana Bafana captain if he joins Pirates."
