With the winter transfer window still weeks away, Orlando Pirates are already making moves to secure new players.
It seems like the club is eager to avoid a repeat of last summer’s frustrating window, where no signings were made while rivals like Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs splurged on new talent.
The Buccaneers clearly felt the lack of squad depth towards the end of the season, especially as they fell just short in both the Nedbank Cup final and the CAF Champions League semi-final.
This may be fueling their urgency to bolster the team now.
Polokwane’s Thabang Matuludi Close to Joining Pirates
Reports suggest that Orlando Pirates are on the verge of signing Thabang Matuludi, a right-back currently playing for Polokwane City.
According to Soccer Laduma, it’s believed the two Soweto giants—Pirates and Chiefs—might each secure a player from Polokwane City ahead of the next season.
This potential signing would give Pirates some much-needed reinforcement at the back, a key area they’ll want to improve on to push further in league and continental competitions.
Coaching Change Looms as Pirates Search for Jose Riveiro’s Successor
The club is also dealing with uncertainty regarding their head coach position.
Jose Riveiro requested an early exit following the tough loss to Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final, leaving Pirates without a confirmed replacement as the new season approaches.
One strong candidate rumored to take the helm is Rulani Mokwena, the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach who has proven himself at the top level.
His name is frequently linked with the position as the club searches for a leader who can take them to the next stage.
Club Legend Lucky Lekgwathi Shares His Take on the Coaching Situation
Pirates legend Lucky Lekgwathi weighed in on the coaching question, emphasizing the importance of supporting whoever takes over, regardless of their background.
“I don’t have a problem with the coach as long as he can take this team to another level,” Lekgwathi said.
He pointed to Sundowns’ recent success after replacing Mokwena, noting that the new coach helped them win the league and reach the Champions League final.
He stressed that consistency in the league remains Pirates’ biggest challenge, and the new coach must address that if they want to compete for trophies next season.
Lekgwathi also reminded fans of how Riveiro, initially dubbed the “plumber,” surprised everyone by becoming one of Pirates’ best coaches.
His message was clear: “Whoever is coming, even if he’s a plumber or carpenter, let’s support him fully.”
Looking Ahead: Where Will Orlando Pirates Finish Next Season?
As the club prepares to welcome new faces on the pitch and potentially a new coach on the sidelines, fans are already speculating on where Pirates will land in the Premier Soccer League standings next season.