Orlando Pirates players who will rejoice at Riveiro’s exit

New manager, new lease on life?

May 14, 2025 - 03:00
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Orlando Pirates players who will rejoice at Riveiro’s exit

Orlando Pirates face a transitional period when serial winner Jose Riveiro leaves at the end of the season. Who stands to benefit?

Orlando Pirates players who might enjoy Riveiro’s exit

Tshegofatso Mabasa was a substitute against Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final. When big games roll around, you can usually see what a manager’s preferred XI is, and Mabasa often misses out on those grand occasions. With the club braced for offers to sign 24-year-old Evidence Makgopa, whose value is higher, Mabsasa might see a long-term future at Pirates. That didn’t seem so likely three months ago.

Is this the best Orlando Pirates XI after Riveiro leaves?

A surplus of defenders

Meanwhile, the ever-reliable Tapelo Xoki has played a lot of minutes this season because of injuries. However, when everyone is fully fit, he’s found himself on the bench. 19-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi is a massive prospect, but Xoki will fancy his chances of ousting Nkosinathi Sibisi. Like Xoki, Sibisi was also born in 1995, so both players have a few years left in the tank. Let’s also not forget that Thabiso Sesane will return from a long-term injury, and there’s also the talented Nigerian star Olisa Ndah to factor into the equation.

Orlando Pirates Transfer News. Thabiso-Sesane
Thabiso Sesane at the Orlando Stadium. Image: @orlandopiratesfc/X

Which players will benefit most from having a new manager?

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