Orlando Pirates Sign Sixth Player - How Best XI could look in 2023-24

Orlando Pirates have announced the signing of winger Lesedi Kapinga from Mamelodi Sundowns. The former Black Leopards attacker had endured a frustrating lack of playing time at his former club and will now look to rebuild his career.

The 28-year-old has penned a three-year contract and will wear the number 21 jersey at Pirates. The winger only played 157 minutes last term with a single start, although he assisted two goals in that match.

• Pirates Acquire Lesedi Kapinga
• Three wingers & Two Goalkeepers
• Eight Players Offloaded So Far
• Orlando Pirates: Best XI Next Season
• Bucs Transfers in Full
• Summary – a solid window

So far, Pirates have focused their recruitment on two main areas. They have added two new goalkeepers and three wingers to their squad in this transfer window. 

Aside from Kapinga, both Patrick Maswanganyi and Katlego Otladisa have been recruited on the flanks. They will provide competition to Monnapule Saleng, Vincent Pule and Thembinkosi Lorch. 

Pirates have also signed goalkeeper Melusi Butheluzi from TS Galaxy despite handing out contract renewals to Richard Ofori and Siyabonga Mpontshane. Current number one Sipho Chaine will face a battle to hold onto the jersey. 

Another shot-stopped in Sphamandla Gumede from Third Tier side Dondol Stars have been signed too.

Aside from all the incoming players, the Sea Robbers have trimmed their squad significantly. A full 11 players have departed but 10 of those spent last season out on loan or were fringe players at best. 

The only regular starter who has departed is Terrence Dzvukamanja, who excelled as a false nine in the second half of the last season. He scored the winner in the Nedbank Cup final and will prove a major loss. 

Returning loanee Zakhele Lepasa could be the main beneficiary of the Zimbabwe’s departure. He netted four goals last season, two for Bucs and two on loan at SuperSport United.

With so many new options, it won’t be easy to select the starting lineup on a weekly basic. Coach Jose Riveiro will most likely use a 4-2-3-1 shape once again. Sipho Chaine should initially keep his place in goal whilst Paseko Mako could play at right back despite being left footed. 

Olisa Ndah will be hard to ignore if fully fit and could partner Nkosinathi Sibisi at centre back. Innocent Maela will captain the side at left back. Thabang Monare and Miguel Timm look nailed-on to form the midfield two and Kermit Erasmus is set to get the nod up front in preference to Lepasa.

With lots of options in wide areas, it could be Kapinga as a number ten with Monnapule Saleng and Thembinkosi Lorch down the wings. 

In: 

Sephelo Baloni (Cape Town All Stars), Katlego Otladisa (Marumo Gallants), Melusi Buthelezi (TS Galaxy), Patrick Maswanganyi (SuperSport United), Lesedi Kapinga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphamandla Gumede (Dondol Stars), Azola Matrose (Chippa United, loan return)

Out: 

Ntsako Makhubela (released), Craig Martin (Chippa United), Nkanyiso Zungu (released), Kopano Thuntsane (released), Ndumiso Mabena (released), Siphesihle Ndlovu (SuperSport United), Collins Makgaka (released), Bongani Sam (Swallows FC, loan), Tshegofatso Mabasa (Swallows FC, loan), Tebogo Tlolane (released), Terrence Dzukamanja (SuperSport United)

Overall, Pirates have added more options and creativity. There are still some question marks up front and at right back. There are still big decisions for coach Jose Riveiro to make in the coming weeks.