Orlando Pirates: EIGHT new faces in the squad – UPDATE
Exciting times.
![Orlando Pirates: EIGHT new faces in the squad – UPDATE](https://www.thesouthafrican.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Nkota.jpg.optimal.jpg?#)
Orlando Pirates have welcomed several exciting new faces aboard as they embark on a new season they hope will deliver more success.
Orlando Pirates class of 2024-2025 takes shape
Brand new 23-year-old right winger Deivi Miguel Vieira, or Gilberto for short, has given Pirates fans a taste into what he’s capable of on a football pitch, scoring in their recent 1-1 draw with Spanish LaLiga side Granada. Assistant coach Paz, as well as new playing recruits Gilberto, midfielder Selaelo Rasebotja, goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla, winger Mohau Nkota and playmaking number 10 Thuso Moleleki, are six very welcome new additions to a team hoping to make a serious title tilt next season. Exciting times for Bucs fans who already seem to love their brand new blonde star after his R11 million switch. Teenage duo Dimpho Madalane and Bayanda Zulu have also been given a chance to impress manager Jose Riveiro. Madalane is a versatile defender who can operate on both flanks, while Zulu is a promising goalkeeping prospect.
![pre-season Orlando Pirates](https://www.thesouthafrican.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/gilberto.jpeg.optimal.jpeg)
Riveiro is excited by the potential coming through
We’ve all heard that saying, first uttered by the legendary Man United boss Sir Matt Busby, who was in charge of the Red Devils between 1945 and 1969 and again for the second half of the 1970–1971 campaign. That team was known for blooding young talents, and the current Orlando Pirates class could be following suit. Riveiro echoes Busby’s ethos:
“The possibility of playing at Pirates does not depend on your age,” Riveiro said via the Citizen.
“If you’re good enough, if you are ready, and if you feel like you can contribute towards the team’s success [then you’ll play]. There’s going to be an opportunity for everyone. We need to check these young boys if they’re in a good space [to play for Pirates],” the Orlando Pirates tactician concluded.
![Orlando Pirates Jose Riveiro Nedbank Cup](https://www.thesouthafrican.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Orlando-Pirates-Jose-Riveiro-Nedbank-Cup.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Can Jose Riveiro make Pirates champions in 2025?
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Orlando Pirates finished the 2023-2024 DStv Premiership campaign in second place, earning a spot in the 2024-2025 Caf Champions League. Jose Riveiro’s team also won two major honours, beating Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup and MTN8 finals. Riveiro’s mandate will be to dethrone Sundowns and deliver the first top-flight league title for the Buccaneers fans since 2012.