Make-or-break time for Mpontshane at Bucs
The arrival of Sipho Chaine at Orlando Pirates could spell bad news for veteran goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane, even though he got to feature for the club for the first this season, the Siya crew has learnt.
Despite having recently signed a new one-year contract extension with the Soweto giants, the goal minder could find himself in a difficult situation at the club, with age also no longer on his side. Last season, he had one of his best campaigns in a Bucs shirt, after making 27 appearances and keeping 12 clean sheets in all competitions, with first choice Richard Ofori out injured. The Ngwavuma-born player’s contribution to the team earned him a one-year deal extension at the end of the season, while fellow veteran keeper Wayne Sandilands discontinued his playing career, instead taking up a non-playing
role at the club.
Ofori has reclaimed the number one jersey under Jose Riveiro and kept six clean sheets from 11 appearances in all competitions, before his howler for the second goal in last week’s 2-0 loss to Sekhukhune United opened the door for a Mpontshane return between the sticks. To his credit, the latter kept a clean sheet against Richards Bay FC last weekend and might keep his place in the team for the time being. It is, therefore, make-or-break time for Mpontshane as he might find the going tough if he allows Ofori back into the reckoning, and this period might define his Bucs future.
Furthermore, Pirates have looked to be planning for the future by bringing a young goalkeeper, in Sipho Chaine, from Chippa United on deadline day, while the club’s development product Kopano Thuntsane is waiting in the wings for his chance. Chaine, 25, joined on a three-year deal, as confirmed by the club, which means that the Bloemfontein-born player is not at the club just to fill the gaps but to compete in seasons to come.
As indicated by Siya sources, the Buccaneers have also been monitoring Tanzanian shot-stopper Aishi Manula with a view of potentially adding him to their goalkeeping department in future as the club is expected to continue reducing the average age of the squad at the end of the season. With Mpontshane turning 37 next year, indications are that the experienced keeper could be nearing the end of his eight-year stay with the Soweto giants, with his contribution this season set to play a big part in deciding his future, according to sources.