With a bloated strikeforce at their disposal, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is likely severe ties with one or two forwards ahead of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season.
Coach Jose Riveiro has an overly packed strikeforce which consists of Kermit Erasmus, Evidence Makgopa and Terrence Dzvukamanja.
They also have highly-rated Bienvenu Eva Nga, veteran Ndumiso Mabena and Cameroonian Souaibou Marou.
Their other strikers Tshegofatso Mabasa, Zakhele Lepasa and Kwame Peprah are on loan. They were loaned to Sekhukune, SuperSport United and Maritzburg United respectively.
WHO IS LIKELY TO BITE THE DUST AT ORLANDO PIRATES?
And as the curtain goes down on the 2022/23 season, Jose Riveiro is likely to create space by letting underperformers go.
And the key question is who will be left biting dust by the Spaniard, Jose Riveiro?
Intrestingly, all the Orlando Pirates strikers have been a pale shadow of themselves, with midfielder Monnapule Saleng topping the goal charts.
Saleng is the club’s leading goalscorer with eight goals to his name.
According to Transfermarkt, Terrence,Dzvukamanja is the highest scoring Buccaneers striker, with four goals.
Dzvukamanja has undoubtedly clawed his way back into favour after initial exit talks.
The 28-year-old Zimbabwean made 11 appearances in all competitions but he appears destined for a longer stay.
Kermit Erasmus, on the otherhand has been decent for the Soweto giants.
After rejoining them from Mamelodi Sundowns, Erasmus made 16 appearances where he has managed three goals and three assists.
Another striker, Bienvenu Eva Nga scored once in 12 appearances this season.
And it is the trio of Mabena, Marou and Makgopa who find themselves at risk of beig cut into the wilderness.
Mabena has no goal to his name having only played one match. Marou played four matches but failed to score.
Lanky forward Makgopa has also struggled to adapt since joining the Soweto giants from Baroka this season.
The 22-year-old has no goal in the four appearances he has made so far Orlando Pirates in the DStv Premieship.
HOW ON LOAN STRIKERS HAVE FARED
On loan strikers Mabasa, Lepasa and Peprah have also been below par for Sekhukune, SuperSport United and Maritzburg United.
For Sekhukune, Mabasa has two goals to his name after 15 appearances in all competitions.
On tbe otherhand, Lepasa is enjoying his stay under Gavin Hunt at SuperSport United.
So far, he has three goals and one assist after 15 appearances in all competitions.
On the otherhand Peprah has one goal to his name after 11 appearances in the DStv Premiership. The Ghanaian also played one match in the MTN8.
Undeniably, Riveiro faces a herculean task in trying to refine his strikeforce ahead of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season.
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