Orlando Pirates News Today: ‘Emotions died!’ Van Rooyen’s mistake? Bucs have star & more

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Orlando Pirates News Today: ‘Emotions died!’ Van Rooyen’s mistake? Bucs have star & more

The latest Orlando Pirates news in the last 24 hours including Benni McCarthy’s attachment to Bucs, Deano Van Rooyen situation, the Buccaneers star lauded, and more.

Pirates news as they break

Emotions died!

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy described returning to [Orlando Amstel Arena]—the stage of his former playing days with Orlando Pirates—as a proud yet bittersweet moment.

While acknowledging his deep ties to the club and its supporters, McCarthy made it clear that sentiment would stay off the pitch: “The emotions died the day I hung up my boots, so now it’s just memories. For me, they were good memories. It was a good time.”

Van Rooyen to reconsider Sundowns’ exit?

It looks like defender Deano van Rooyen might find himself having to reconsider his future at Mamelodi Sundowns due to a lack of game-time since joining the club recently.

Six players who have work to do during international break

Ouaddou has overseen a significant transformation in the team, with new arrivals and younger players making their mark and increasing competition for places.

Since taking charge of the Buccaneers, Ouaddou has overseen a significant transformation in the team, with new arrivals and younger players making their mark and increasing competition for places.

The coach has shown a willingness to rotate his squad, but some established names have found opportunities difficult to come by, leaving them with work to do if they are to feature more prominently when domestic football resumes. 

Makhehlene Makhaula of Orlando Pirates against Richards Bay.
Makhehlene Makhaula of Orlando Pirates against Richards Bay. Photo: Orlando Pirates

Among those hoping for a change in fortunes are Makhehleni Makhaula, Kabelo Dlamini, Tapelo Xoki, Masindi Nemtajela, Mohau Nkota and Sebastian Pedersen. 

That guy is a star

Orlando Pirates could have a special talent on their hands in Bulelani Sigomoshe, with his former Milford FC teammate Mvelo Zikakayo offering a glowing assessment of the defender’s qualities.

Ace, as Sigomoshe is known in football circles, joined the Buccaneers in September after impressing at Milford FC, where he played an important role in helping the KwaZulu-Natal outfit secure promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the Betway Premiership.

Having shared the dressing room with the Pirates defender, Zikakayo believes the Soweto giants have acquired a player with plenty to offer, highlighting his pace, technical ability and versatility.

Speaking to Soccer Laduma about his former teammate, the Milford winger did not hold back in his praise, describing Sigomoshe as a star while acknowledging the expectations that come with such an assessment.

“Sigomoshe is a very good player. Without sounding like I am putting pressure on him, but that guy is a star. I played with him and I know what I am talking about. He made things happen for us and I really enjoyed playing alongside him.

“He has got speed, is good with the ball at his feet and can make things happen in one-v-one situations. When he played for us, he operated as an attacking player, but he was also very good at tracking back and helping us defensively whenever we needed him.

Abdeslam Ouaddou
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, Image: Orlando Pirates

“To sum it up, I would say he played a crucial role in helping us secure promotion from the NFD (Motsepe Foundation Championship) to the topflight.”

For Pirates, the endorsement provides an indication of the qualities Sigomoshe brings to the squad, particularly his ability to contribute going forward while also fulfilling his defensive responsibilities. 

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Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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