Two brand new Orlando Pirates teenagers spotted in training
Will this be Riveiro’s legacy?
Orlando Pirates boss Jose Riveiro seems eager to give youngsters a chance ahead of the 2024-2025 campaign. Here are two more.
Two more teenagers training with Orlando Pirates
SoccerLaduma has confirmed that DStv Diski Challenge academy product Bayanda Zulu practiced with the senior side. The 19-year-old goalkeeper might find that his pathway to the first team is blocked at the moment, but it’s a promising sign for the youngster. Meanwhile, the other is the versatile 17-year-old defender Dimpho Madalane, who can operate on either flank or even in the heart of defence. Recently, Mohau Nkota was also invited to test his mettle alongside the senior stars. Nkota is a tricky wide player born in 2004. That makes him an age-mate of established Bucs and Bafana star Relebohile Mofokeng, who is already an indispensable member of the starting XI.
If you’re good enough you’re old enough
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.
Will the Sea Robbers go all the way 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.