OFORI’S COMPETITION

WAYNE SANDILANDS (37)

The veteran goalkeeper is now into his fourth year at Pirates after joining from Mamelodi Sundowns where he had fallen down the pecking order. Sandilands spent last season as the first choice, playing 30 games and missing just four in all competitions

It was a step up for a keeper who had played less games than he missed in his first two seasons when he had a combined total of 29 appearances. His experience, workmanship, honesty, principled mannerism, and professionalism remains a key factor in the dressing room as he always genuinely gives his best, even on occasions when his ‘best is not enough’. At 37, his age was obviously part reason to why Pirates found reason to spend on bringing another pair of hands 10 years younger in Ofori. He will always be ready when called upon and is a reliable back up option.

SIYABONGA MPONTSHANE (34)

For all the six years that he has now spent at Pirates he has only played a double figure number of games just once, which was in the 2018/19 season when he rose to end up with 18 appearances. He didn’t play last season and is yet to make an appearance this term with the last time he took to the field being in April 2019 when he came on as a substitute.

His appearance count in six years at Pirates stands at 46, a clear reflection that his time has mostly been either on the bench or in the stands. He is an ‘okay’ keeper who could play more at lower half clubs and his numbers show that he is not of the standards of someone who can be looked upon as the first choice at Pirates.

Will continue as a backup option this season.