R11.1 million down the drain for Orlando Pirates
Not all signings are hits.
Orlando Pirates are licking their wounds after an expensive piece of business didn’t bear fruit for the board. What’s the next step?
Orlando Pirates’ expensive flop Gilberto is a lesson for future transfers
According to Soccer Laduma, Orlando Pirates are ready to sell Angolan winger Gilberto to fund purchases on the wings. Much was expected of the Angolan star after a €560k (R11.1 million) move from Petro de Luanda The 24-year-old winger didn’t live up to the hype, failing to score or assist in 18 appearances. Fortunately for Pirates, Mohau Nkota came through and produced the goods at an opportune time. 20-year-old youth product Nkota has dazzled in his debut campaign, bagging three assists and four goals across all competitions. Luanda have reportedly expressed a desire to bring him back to the club permanently.
Gilberto set for premature Pirates exit
According to The Citizen, Pirates are willing to sell the Angolan winger. The former Petro de Luanda man failed to make the grade in the Buccaneers’ starting XI. He’s out on loan with his former club but isn’t expected to play for the Sea Robbers again.
“Orlando Pirates are open to cutting ties with Gilberto, who has struggled to make an impact in the Betway Premiership since his arrival at the start of the season. With the emergence of youngster Mohau Nkota, Gilberto fell down the pecking order in José Riveiro’s plans. Word reaching Phakaaathi is that the powers that be at Pirates are open to selling Gilberto.” Wrote the publication.
MC Alger test awaits
Pirates will be quietly confident they can stamp their ticket into the Champions League semi-finals. They face Algerian side MC Alger over two legs in the quarter-finals. The first leg takes place on Tuesday 01 April at 21:00. Alger are currently in charge of the Algerian Ligue 1 with a seven-point lead at the summit after 20 league outings.
Will Gilberto play for Pirates again?
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