In another way of fast-tracking their preparations for the new season, Orlando Pirates have added four new players to the squad, as confirmed by the club on Tuesday.
The newly signed stars are Katlego Otladisa, Melusi Buthelezi, Patrick Maswanganyi and Siphelo Baloni, who are added to play a big role for Bucs in the League and CAF Champions League.
Meanwhile, veteran striker Ndumiso Mabena has led the list of departures along with Nkanyiso Zungu, Ntsako Makhubela, Kopano Thuntsane and Craig Martin, who has since been snapped up by Chippa United.
Social media has been abuzz since the news broke, with the fans weighing in on what could be expected from the Buccaneers after the team's successful first season under Jose Riveiro with the double-cup winning campaign.
Prominent Pirates supporter Phillip Jwarha has joined in the conversation, while also sending a touching message to the outgoing quintet.
The Good
"This is a busy period for club management and the players' agents as players are being moved around during this time as the league is on a break. We (Pirates) are going to have many games in the new season and it is important for the club to balance the squad and therefore we are happy about the new signings. Having said that, we cannot judge players based on their signature on the piece of paper known as the contract. We will only be able to judge them after they get game time and see what they can offer. They will be given a chance to play and we will then judge their performance from what we see. In this game, there have been situations where a player would be signed as a star from his team and when he joins Pirates he experiences ups and downs and struggles to prove his worth. On behalf of the supporters, I want to tell our new signings that we welcome them and I want to assure them that we will give them all the support they need. Orlando Pirates are one of the big football clubs in the world and for anyone who gets the opportunity to represent the team, he has to make sure that he grabs the chance with both hands. Home and away, or wherever they play, they will be supported because Pirates have supporters everywhere," said Jwarha.
The Bad
"To our former players that have been released by the team, they must never give up and should go and revive their careers wherever they are going. By being released, it doesn't mean they are bad players, but just that there is a certain number of players needed by the club for the season and therefore others had to leave. They tried their luck but were unfortunate not to get game time and I wish them everything of the best," continued Jwarha.
The Ugly
On Ndumiso Mabena and Craig Martin sudden departures
"Let me start with Craig Martin, he was a good signing for us but unfortunately there was a lot of competition in his position. That's what affected his progress in my opinion and I can only hope that he will do well and revive his career at Chippa United, which is where he is going. At Pirates, it is not unusual for five players to play in the same position and therefore it becomes difficult for everyone to get enough of a chance to play. With regards to Ndumiso Mabena, I thought he was coming back to the club to retire. That's where he made a name for himself at his prime. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be and he had to be let go and I'm sure another door will open for him to get regular game time. He is an experienced player who did very well at Bloemfontein Celtic and Royal AM respectively and is a good leader," concluded Jwarha.
What Do You Think Of Pirates' Squad Changes?
