The January transfer window has officially closed in South Africa, and while there were some moves at Orlando Pirates, the club didn’t make any major changes to their squad. This has left some Pirates fans a little frustrated, but honestly, there was no real urgency for the club to strengthen. With the current squad performing well domestically and in the CAF Champions League, the need for additions wasn’t pressing.
Under coach Jose Riveiro, the Pirates have been impressive, not only in the league but also on the continental stage, with the team making it to the quarterfinals of the CAF Champions League for the first time since Riveiro took over.
So, let’s take a closer look at who came and who left at the Buccaneers this January.
Despite rumors linking them to players like Oswin Appollis and Thabang Matuludi from Polokwane City, Pirates didn’t make any signings during the window. Both players remained at Rise and Shine as the club decided not to part with them.
However, Pirates did send three players out on loan: Gilberto, Katlego Otladisa, and Jabulani Mokone. Gilberto returned to Angolan side Petro de Luanda, while Otladisa moved to Sekhukhune United, and Mokone was loaned to Upington City. Mokone had been playing for Pirates’ DStv Diski Challenge team and is considered a promising young talent.
The silver lining for Pirates fans is that Monnapule Saleng stayed at the club despite the speculation that he might be on his way out.
