Has Pule exit exposed Orlando Pirates? Hunt justifies signing of versatile attacker

The experienced midfielder is set to help the Swanky Boys realise their objectives in the 2024/25 season

Orlando Pirates made a surprise decision to terminate Vincent Pule’s contract a couple of weeks ago.

The attacker had served the Sea Robbers for six seasons, played 146 games where he scored 24 goals, and provided 14 assists. In the concluded campaign, the 32-year-old struggled to fit in owing to injuries and stiff competition from other players.

Gavin Hunt did not hesitate to convince Pule to join SuperSport United. The duo worked together at Bidvest Wits where they won the Premier Soccer League in the 2016/17 campaign.

Despite Bucs taking part in four domestic competitions next season as well as the Caf Champions League and possibly the African Football League, coach Jose Riveiro deemed Pule surplus to requirements.

‘He can still run and can play multiple positions’

In his interview on the MSW, Hunt revealed the attacker is excited to work with the Swanky Boys, before explaining why he went for his services.

“[Pule] is like a kid in the China shop at the moment, I said to him ‘slow down’; I signed him from African Warriors at Wits and he scored a goal in the Telkom Cup final, played a huge part when we won the league and top eight games,” the former Kaizer Chiefs coach stated.

“Then obviously he got transferred to Pirates, he had a good [six] years there. To get him back now still the same in terms of athleticism he can still run, he’s got good legs, pace, good delivery on the ball, strikes the ball well, and can play multiple positions which is important for us.”

During his stay at Bucs, Pule won two Nedbank Cup titles and as many MTN8 crowns.