Today’s Orlando Pirates news recap looks at the hottest stories involving Monnapule Saleng, Rele Mofokeng and Makhehlene Makhaula.
Mofokeng offer turned down by Orlando Pirates
According to SoccerLaduma, Orlando Pirates rejected a massive R25.8 million deadline-day offer from Zamalek for 20-year-old superstar winger Relebohile Mofokeng. The Bafana youngster has become a talismanic figure for the Sea Robbers, churning out 10 goals and 11 assists already this term across all competitions.
Change of playing role for Makhaula at Pirates?
Orlando Pirates boss Jose Riveiro sees his midfield unit as a dynamic organism that needs to adjust to all game states. Veteran star Makhehlene Makhaula has been enjoying his forays into the final third lately. The 35-year-old midfield general arrived in January 2023 and has made 13 league appearances this term.
“Makhaula is more defensive, Kabelo is more offensive, but in this team, we defend as a team,” said Jose Riveiro via FARPost. “When we have the ball, we attack as a team. As you have seen recently Makhaula’s evolution, he is offensive when we are on the ball. He has been impressive for us.
Shades of Ozil at Arsenal?
Mesut Özil was one of the most talented playmakers and prolific assist-creators of his generation. When he signed for Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2013 for €47 million, Gunners fans around the world thought of it as a watershed moment. Özil certainly produced a string of brilliant performances and moments, but his career in London faded out to the extent that he was sitting on the bench as an unused substitute despite being the club’s highest earner. Talk about a waste of resources. The reason for his exodus wasn’t disclosed but the consensus was that the talented German fell out with manager Unai Emery, the man who replaced the iconic figure of Arsène Wenger.
Upcoming Orlando Pirates fixtures
Pirates got a reality check in the title race last time out, losing 4-1 to defending champions Sundowns. However, the Brazilians slipped up in a surprise defeat to TS Galaxy in their following match. All is not lost in Pirates’ quest for the Betway Prem crown. They trail Sundowns by nine points but have two games in hand. Next up for Riveiro’s side is a Nedbank Cup R16 clash at home against Baroka on Saturday 15 Feb at 15:00. The Sea Robbers return to Betway Premiership action on Wednesday 19 February, away to Golden Arrows. Kickoff in that clash is at 19:30.
What do you think of the Saleng situation? Is it boring now?
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