Between July 2017 and September 2019, Orlando Pirates went out and signed 28 new players. We could call nine of those success stories (32%), but only Paseka Mako and Vincent Pule are still at the club. Some of the flops in that time included Thamsanqa Sangweni, Phetso Maphanga and Brazilian defender Caio Marcelo. Since then, we have had 35 new first-team signings come through the door in eight transfer windows. As we did with Kaizer Chiefs in edition 1353, Soccer Laduma asks how many of the 35 players signed have met expectations so far at the Buccaneers. How many have failed due to poor scouting or other reasons? We review every addition and hand out SUCCESS, FLOP and JURY STILL OUT verdicts.
Nkanyiso Zungu
Late in the January transfer window in 2020, Orlando Pirates spent a few million Rand to sign the left-footed midfielder to replace Musa Nyatama. He penned a three-year contract and was eased into Bucs life with two starts in 11 games. His second season saw five starts but just 530 total minutes played. He barely had a kick in his second campaign and was released after a disappointing loan spell at Richards Bay FC.
VERDICT: FLOP. His off-field issues and lack of defensive intensity made him a poor fit and a waste of money. It was a predictable failure, unfortunately.
Thabang Monare
Now into his fourth season at the club, he has proven a solid signing from Bidvest Wits. His first campaign was relatively unspectacular as he played less than 50% of the minutes on offer and had several niggling injury problems. His second season saw around 40% pitch time and spells out of favour whilst also having an excellent Soweto Derby performance. Last term, he ended the season in excellent form having barely played up until December. Overall, he was a steady signing, but he hasn't consistently hit the heights and he hasn't featured at all for the side since November.
VERDICT: SUCCESS. This deal has been solid and the midfielder has played his part in the team winning trophies. Hopefully his Pirates career won't peter out.
Thulani Hlatshwayo
He arrived at the Houghton-based side as the captain of Bafana Bafana, but things were a constant struggle after his move. Although his first season yielded 16 clean sheets in 36 starts and the MTN8 crown, he also found himself exposed by Peter Shalulile and the ball-playing demands placed on him. His second campaign began with an error and an own goal and then a terrible mistake against Kaizer Chiefs in the derby with a loose back pass. He only played two more matches after that howler and was allowed to leave just two years into a five-year deal.
VERDICT: FLOP. This deal was a terrible one for all parties considering the transfer fee, high salary, beating Mamelodi Sundowns to the signing and the early release from the player's contact.
Deon Hotto
The Namibian came to the Buccaneers for big money amid interest from the Brazilians. He played 45 matches in his first season with seven goals and 10 assists as he played all over the pitch, including as a number nine and as a wingback. He scored in the MTN8 final too. His second season started slowly, but he finished with nine goals and 12 assists. He played another 36 encounters last term but began to find himself in a fullback role. That has been the case for a lot of this season with very mixed results.
VERDICT: SUCCESS. Considering his strong goals and assist numbers for two seasons and his general durability to play 151 matches in 3.5 seasons, this signing certainly wasn't a flop. However, it also hasn't quite hit the heights expected.
Terrence Dzvukamanja
The Zimbabwean's time at the club is hard to assess. He started well but then barely played in the second half of his first campaign. His second season saw 35 appearances in all competitions but just two goals scored. He was basically frozen out in his third season with just 23 minutes played up until mid-January. He suddenly came to life after that with eight goals in 19 outings, including scoring in a cup final. He was looking really good as a false nine when he suddenly cut his Bucs career short. In three seasons, he was only truly effective for four months and then he abruptly asked to leave.
VERDICT: FLOP. Despite his impact in his final four months, this was a wasted signing. On paper, the acquisition made sense, but Pirates' coaches rarely had an idea of how to maximise his talents.
Monnapule Saleng
After an average season on loan at Moroka Swallows, the dribbling wizard returned to Pirates last season. He wasn't in the coach's plans initially, but a brace against Downs in the MTN8 saw him announce his arrival as a key player. He delivered a highly impressive 15 goals and a further 11 assists, with a strike in the MTN8 final which proved the winner and then setting up the decisive goal in the Nedbank Cup final. This campaign has only seen him start 11 matches overall and he is 11 league games without being named in the starting XI even once. His dip in form has cost him a place in the Afcon squad, but his overall impact in the last 16 months can't be disputed.
VERDICT: SUCCESS. Few players produce the numbers we saw from Saleng last term even across multiple seasons combined. The hope is that he will return to his best level in February.
Bandile Shandu
The versatile all-rounder was a slightly surprising signing for the Soweto giants, but he had a great first season with seven goals scored from right back and 45 appearances made. He continued to be a very regular selection in the 2022/23 season with 26 outings, but only starting 38% of the fixtures in all competitions. This term, he has been a fringe player with seven starts in 25 matches. He did score two goals early in the season and assisted in the win over Amakhosi. Jose Riveiro doesn't seem totally convinced by Shandu, though.
VERDICT: SUCCESS. This looked like a baffling signing on paper as he wasn't even a guaranteed starter at Maritzburg United. For him to have played 87 games in 2.5 seasons, with nine goals scored, can only go down as a victory.
Ntsako Makhubela
Having come through the Pirates youth ranks, he was signed from Golden Arrows in August 2021. His acquisition made sense for his energy and knack to break up play. He was hailed for his pressing and ability to find space by Fadlu Davids after a strong debut. He played just 869 minutes in his first season and zero minutes in his second campaign before a loan back to Abafana Bes'thende. After just two years, his contract was terminated and he joined Moroka Swallows.
VERDICT: FLOP. For whatever reason, this deal didn't work. Riveiro never used him at all and despite logical reasons for acquiring his services, this is a 100% flop.
Olisa Ndah
The centre-back was bought from Nigeria's Akwa United with few on local shores having ever heard of him. He was outstanding at the beginning, earning a spot in the Super Eagles' Afcon squad and attracting interest from clubs in Italy's Serie A. The second half of his second season was injury-affected and saw just one outing as he scored an own goal in the Soweto Derby loss. This term started slowly, but when he came into the side, he helped Bucs to six clean sheets in eight DStv Premiership matches. He has excelled in two MTN8 cup wins and was very good in the final against Sundowns in October.
VERDICT: SUCCESS. Whilst injuries have slowed his progress, and he has made some errors in Soweto derbies, Ndah is a 100% success story. Pirates need to find more hidden gems like him!
Ndumiso Mabena
He played 17 minutes after rejoining the club following a period of inactivity. His signing made zero sense and he was promptly released after six months.
VERDICT: FLOP. He was too old and lacking match fitness to make any impact for the team.
Bienvenu Eva Nga
The striker had excelled for Chippa United, but last term only brought one goal and that came in his debut. He was completely out of favour in the final 31 fixtures with just 82 minutes of pitch time. This season has seen a mere two outings in the early rounds of the CAF Champions League.
VERDICT: FLOP. He has barely played and doesn't suit the style of play.
Collins Makgaka
He featured just seven times as a substitute in his first season but made an impact early in his second campaign (six starts, two goals and two assists). He stopped playing for months after that and last season saw four appearances from the bench and no minutes from November onwards.
VERDICT: FLOP. With just 687 minutes in three seasons, this one was a failure despite some flashes of real potential.
Craig Martin
This signing was a disaster. With off field problems and a lack of suitability to playing as either a right back or as a winger in the Buccaneers' system, Martin was released after six months. Last term finished with him playing zero minutes in the final 15 matches.
VERDICT: FLOP.
Considering he cost a significant transfer fee, this was one of the worst signings across the entire PSL in recent seasons.
Souaibou Marou
His arrival from Coton Sport last January came on the back of winning the Player of the Season award in Cameroon. He was in the Indomitable Lions squad for the World Cup in Qatar, but his first six months yielded just five substitute outings. He has had two games this term in the CAF Champions League preliminary rounds, but with 18 months left on his deal, the club could cut him loose early.
VERDICT: FLOP. Factoring in a reported R3.5 million fee, this goes down as an epic fail.
Richard Ofori
The Ghana international is starting at the Afcon despite barely kicking a ball at club level in ages. His first campaign brought 11 clean sheets in his 21 full games and just one loss in his 15 league starts. The problem was a number of howlers, often due to coming off his line or trying to be a ball-playing goalkeeper when that doesn't suit him. After being the number one at the start of last season, injuries have derailed his club career.
VERDICT: FLOP. He has played just 38 of the 115 matches available since he signed. Injuries and regular errors mean this signing has really not worked out.
Jean-Marc Makusu
He arrived on loan from AS Vita Club, but he barely played. He was given just 40 minutes in the league and scored one goal against Jwaneng Galaxy.
VERDICT: FLOP. He wasn't at the standard needed to play for Pirates.
Kwame Peprah
The Ghanian striker looked like a project for Bucs. They eased him into the side, kept using him during a scoring drought and then got some rewards with nine goals overall in 38 outings in his first campaign. Sadly, last term saw just six appearances from the bench and Riveiro just didn't seem to rate the bustling attacker.
VERDICT: FLOP. There was the potential for this to be a success and perhaps the Soweto giants gave up on him too early.
Wayde Jooste
A surprise addition from Highlands Park, he played 39 matches over two seasons at the club. He started 21 matches in all competitions in his first year, contributing four assists. He wasn't really in favour in his second campaign and departed Houghton.
VERDICT: FLOP. Although he was the first-choice right back in his first season, he was merely a stopgap. He wasn't even one of the best players at Highlands Park, so his arrival was a curious one.
Kwanda Mngonyama
The versatile defender had been released by Maritzburg, so why would Pirates move to sign him? It was a very weird addition to the squad and his two-year deal was ended after just one season. Probably the clearest memory was a 45-minute substitute outing at centre-back against Sundowns, which saw four goals leaked.
VERDICT: FLOP. This acquisition made no sense as he had lost his place at the Team of Choice and his contract wasn't even renewed there.
Kermit Erasmus
After the frustrating end for the player at Chloorkop, he returned to Pirates last season. He made 15 starts overall with four goals netted, including against his former employers in the MTN8. Unfortunately, he ended the campaign on a 10-match goalless streak in the league, but he did tap home against Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semi-final. This time around, he has only featured for 23% of the available minutes with just one goal scored.
VERDICT: FLOP. Whilst he has had his moments, the return of "Romeo" can't be called a success as it stands. It's not impossible that he could do a 180-degree turn and end the season well, which would change how his second Bucs stint is remembered.
Makhehlene Makhaula
Just under a year ago, the workaholic midfielder joined from AmaZulu FC. The 12 months since then have only yielded 469 minutes of pitch time and this season, he has only seen four outings from the bench.
VERDICT: FLOP. His 2020/21 campaign at Usuthu was incredible, but Pirates signed him way too late and it's unlikely the 34-year-old will remain at the club next season.
Miguel Timm
Pirates hijacked Timm's move to Sekhukhune United despite his advancing years. He was really good last season and played a crucial role in lifting two trophies. Only one player got more minutes than him last season and his ability to calmly dictate play made him the battery in the Bucs watch. An injury delayed his progress this season, but he has won back his place and is again one of the first names on the team sheet for Riveiro.
VERDICT: SUCCESS. Despite being 30 years old at the time he was signed, he has been an excellent midfield upgrade in the short- to medium-term. Pirates identified that his talent would translate well from Marumo Gallants' passing style to a bigger club and they deserve credit for that.
Tapelo Xoki
The Khayelitsha-born defender has been a very shrewd addition. He made a slow start last term but was excellent once he came in to the XI and he formed a strong partnership with Nkosinathi Sibisi. Whilst the latter has lost his place of late, Xoki has captained the team and remained a mainstay of the backline. He can count himself unfortunate not to be in the final Afcon squad, though he remains on standby.
VERDICT: SUCCESS. He has no glaring weaknesses, is a reliable figure and will be key in the second round of the season. This was a smart signing by the Pirates hierarchy.
Nkosinathi Sibisi
The speedy but relatively diminutive centre-back was a first choice in his first season. He excelled in the middle of a back three and also did well in a back four. He started 35 matches with 15 clean sheets and was excellent in the Nedbank Cup final against Sekhukhune. This term hasn't turned out as well, at least since he exited the MTN8 final with an injury. The last 12 league games have seen him start just twice and that rustiness has been seen in a Bafana Bafana jersey too.
VERDICT: SUCCESS. So far, this signing has worked out well. That's not to say that a few more months out of the XI or some errors can't flip the script on how this arrival is viewed. There are still worries over his aerial prowess, but his signing made sense and worked out effectively in the 2022/23 season.
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo
This season has been a bit up and down for the vertically challenged schemer. He has been impressive in recent weeks after a slight dip at the start of the season. After arriving, Riveiro played him in an advanced role and then as a number eight. He has settled more into a deeper role now and knits things together nicely with his technical ability.
VERDICT: SUCCESS. This signing is ruled as a success right now, but you feel the midfielder can do more. Should he lose his place over the next 12 months, then this would change to being a flop. It's a key time in the player's career at the Soweto giants.
Sipho Chaine
The goalkeeper had to wait for his turn, but the injury to Ofori and Siyabonga Mpontshane's rough form saw him get the gloves. He played 21 matches in a row last season as his ability with his feet brought a new dimension to the side's build-up schemes. Before an injury this season, he was first choice and was a constant in the MTN8 win. Whilst he has areas to improve, like claiming crosses, there is a lot to work with.
VERDICT: SUCCESS. He arrived as a depth option to give cover and literally took his chance with both hands. This was a very clever signing, but he needs to keep up the progress.
The Jury Is Still Out
In the most recent off-season, Orlando Pirates made six senior signings to boost the squad. As we're only five months into the campaign, it may be a bit early to determine if the acquisitions are successful or flops. Whilst the jury is out on all of the below right now, we can get an indication of the direction in which the transfers are heading!
Patrick Maswanganyi
The former Stars of Africa player was a surprise signing in the off-season. His arrival has looked like a masterstroke at times with four goals and five assists so far. With 25 games played, he has started 23 of those and the creative playmaker can count himself unfortunate not to have made the Afcon squad. He is heading towards being a successful signing.
Lesedi Kapinga
After playing just 157 minutes last season, the diminutive schemer made the move to Bucs. He has appeared just four times with one start and three substitute outings. Kapinga's route to regular minutes looks quite blocked, though he did get a runout in the MTN8 final. As things stands, he is leaning towards being a flop already.
Katlego Otladisa
The right-footed left winger was amongst the most frequent dribblers in the league last season. He was given two starts before the Afcon break, having only been used from the bench in seven of the first 22 matches this term. He may be slowly starting to win over Riveiro, but in such a big squad, he may have trouble turning himself into a success story.
Melusi Buthelezi
The keeper had a strong season at TS Galaxy last season and earned a Bafana Bafana debut. His start to life at Pirates saw him play no minutes in the first 13 games. An injury to Chaine opened the door and he has responded with eight clean sheets in 13 appearances. Although he lacks a little on the ball-playing front, he is strong at the fundamentals and could hold onto the number one jersey. This is headed towards being a successful signing.
Siphelo Baloni
He was signed from All Stars to boost the energy in midfield. His first start saw a penalty conceded for a foul against Sundowns. He featured in the MTN8 final as a substitute and with 11 appearances to his name (three as a starter), he has done well to earn minutes. He is the epitome of 'the jury is still out' as we can't be certain how he will adjust to this higher level.
Karim Kimvuidi
The exciting Congolese attacking midfielder has started to push his way into the Pirates XI. He went into the Afcon break with four league starts in a row with one goal scored. On pure talent, this looked like a very shrewd signing. There is a lot more to come from the 21-year-old and considering he cost a sizeable fee, the coach needs to focus on getting the best out of Kimvuidi.
Azola Matrose
He is yet to play for Pirates. Age is on his side and we've seen very promising signs in his time at Chippa United to suggest he can be a success story.
Goodman Mosele
The midfielder is currently on loan at Chippa, where he is playing well. He played 31 times in his first season at Bucs and even scored four goals. Riveiro initially selected him for the first eight matches, but some injuries and off-field issues saw him all out of favour. There is still time to turn things around and this is a deal that could turn out to be a flop or a success based on what happens next season.
Evidence Makgopa
After a poor season at Baroka FC, he only got 126 minutes on the pitch last term in a total write-off of a campaign. After a slow start to this term, his Bucs career looked on the brink. The head coach suddenly started handing him opportunities and he has repaid the faith with five goals and 13 consecutive starts. It's too early to call him a success and this transfer may still end up flopping if the forward gets a long-term injury again or loses his place in the starting XI.
Summary
Total signings since September 2019: 35
Successful signings: 10
Flops: 16
Jury still out: 9
