Betway Premiership

Siphelo Baloni speaks for the first time since joining Pirates

New Orlando Pirates signing Siphelo Baloni has spoken for the first since joining the club, providing an update on his adjustment ahead of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season.

The Buccaneers are currently in pre-season camp in Spain where they’ll face a few European clubs as they gear up for the upcoming campaign.

Pirates had an impressive showing last season after winning the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup. They also qualified for the CAF Champions League after finishing as runners-up behind Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Soweto giants beefed up their squad with the signing of Katlego Otladisa, Melusi Buthelezi, Siphelo Baloni and Patrick Maswanganyi.

Baloni, who was with the Motsepe Foundation Championship side All Stars last season, has given an update on his adjustment at Pirates.

The highly-rated midfielder featured in 25 games in the second tier and scored three goals. Stars have since sold their status to Black Leopards who were relegated to the ABC Motsepe League.

ORLANDO PIRATES NEW SIGNING SIPHELO BALONI ON HIS ADJUSTMENT AT THE CLUB

“So far the pre-season has been good and the team welcomed me so well with warm hands,” Baloni said.

Orlando Pirates during the pre-season camp in Rustenburg
Orlando Pirates gearing up for the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season

“The coaches are giving us some tactics, to learn and improve individually as a player. Going forward I’ll improve a lot because I still need to improve. I’m from All Stars and there are things that I don’t know.

“Also, there are things that I still need to tick from the coach because he has shown me things that I need to improve,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pirates announced they have extended the contracts of Vincent Pule, Richard Ofori, Ben Motshwari, Thabang Monare and Siyabonga Mpontshane.

On the hand, Pirates released Collins Makgaka, Nkanyiso Zungu, Kopano Thuntsane, and Ndumiso Mabena while sending Boitumelo Radiopane and Azola Tshobeni on loan.

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