Following their painful CAF Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Pyramids FC, Orlando Pirates are set to prioritise the signing of a striker – possibly an international addition – as part of their plans to strengthen the squad for next season.
The Buccaneers fell 3-2 to the Egyptian outfit last Friday, with both goals coming from emerging stars Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota.
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Notably, the duo have been the standout performers in attack in recent weeks, with Nkota scoring the decisive away goal against MC Alger in the previous round, assisted by Mofokeng.
That was followed by a goalless draw in the return leg that saw the Soweto giants advance on aggregate.
However, the lack of consistent goal returns from their main strikers has raised concerns.
In their recent Nedbank Cup semi-final, midfielder Kabelo Dlamini netted the lone goal against Marumo Gallants, while defender Nkosinathi Sibisi was the match-winner in their last Betway Premiership outing against Polokwane City.
Even in their headline-grabbing win over Mamelodi Sundowns, it was Mofokeng’s brace that stole the show.
Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa, expected to lead the line, have struggled to find form in front of goal.
The club’s technical team is now believed to be exploring options abroad in search of a commanding forward who can shoulder the goal-scoring burden next season.
Among the names linked with Pirates is Zambian striker Andrew Phiri, who recently had a trial with the team, as well as Ghanaian forward Kwame Opoku, who has also been mentioned as a possible target.
Additionally, Brazilian marksman Raphael Lopes could be an option if negotiations progress favourably, according to sources.
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With Pirates aiming to build on their domestic cup success and continental campaigns, adding a reliable striker appears to be a top priority for the technical team heading into the new season.
“Yes, Pirates have done well with their youngsters stepping up to score and create goals, but there’s a growing consensus that a proven goal-scorer is still needed. In some matches, the team has clearly struggled in the final third. The club’s search for a striker is expected to extend beyond South African borders,” said the source.
Click on the gallery above for some of the forwards linked with Pirates
