Extended time for Ofori at Pirates?

The 2023/24 campaign might still be heading towards the halfway point, but plans for next season are already taking place at Orlando Pirates, with the goalkeeping department being one of the areas of focus, the Siya crew has learnt.

Although he is yet to make an appearance in the league this season, Richard Ofori may have his stay with the Soweto giants extended, informants have revealed.

The 30-year-old’s contribution so far this season has been in the CAF Champions League, where he made three appearances in the preliminary stages before the side were knocked out prematurely from the competition. However, the

Ghanaian is still valued highly at Bucs for the wealth of experience he brings and is in the plans of head coach Jose Riveiro.

This season’s signing, Melusi Buthelezi and Sipho Chaine have shared the goalkeeping duties thus far in the league and domestic cup competitions respectively, which has left veterans Ofori and Siyabonga Mpontshane with little to contribute.

“Richard Ofori is likely to have his stay with Pirates extended. It’s likely to happen closer to the end of the season,” said a source.

“He is an experienced goalkeeper whose contribution to the team is highly appreciated.

He is a good guy to work with and his presence is beneficial to other goalkeepers in the team. He will get his chance again as you can see that Pirates doesn’t seem to have a permanent number one now and any one of the players there does have a chance to play,” the source added.

Ofori’s current contract runs until June next year, and unless he has other plans, the club is likely to exercise the one-year option they have on the deal to keep him until 2025 at least, according to informants.

The towering keeper has been with the club since 2020, having joined from Maritzburg United.