Five signings beef up Bucs’ lineup
A DAY after rivals Kaizer Chiefs unveiled their new recruits for 2015-16, Orlando Pirates announced the arrival of five new players.
Tendai Ndoro from Mpumalanga Black Aces, Equatorial Guinea’s national goalkeeper Felipe Ovono, and Gift Motupa, former captain of Baroka in Limpopo, have joined.
In a big boost for Pirates, they will be registered for the CAF Confederation Cup next month.
Luvuyo Memela, who scored 15 goals in the National First Division last season, and Thembinkosi Lorch have also joined from All Stars in Cape Town and Maluti FET College in the Free State respectively.
Ndoro knows that it will not be easy to break into the starting lineup, having to compete with Kermit Erasmus, Lehlohonolo Majoro, Lennox Bacela and Thamsanqa Gabuza, who has recently found good form for both club and country.
“It’s a great honour and a dream come true to play for one of the biggest clubs in Africa.
“I wish to do my best in the coming season and repay the faith the club has shown,” Ndoro said.
“I know I have my work cut out because Pirates have one of the best striking departments in the PSL.
“All the strikers are in form and they are scoring regularly . . . Knowing that I am surrounded by talented players is a huge motivation for me.
“I can only hope that I am able to contribute positively by scoring goals next season,” Ndoro said
Baroka coach Sello Chokoe has backed Motupa, who scored eight league goals last season, to shine in the PSL.
Motupa has recently played for Bafana Bafana in the Cosafa Cup and in a Chan qualifier against Mauritius.
“Gift is a very committed boy and he is disciplined off the field. He can play as a defensive or attacking midfielder. It will help Pirates in terms of options,” Chokoe said.
“He’s also got that ability to score goals. He scored eight goals last season and 10 the season before that.
“I think he will succeed, especially after being in the national team. He will have more confidence.”
Pirates leave for Dolisie today for their Confederation Cup clash with Congolese club AC Leopards on Saturday.