Orlando Pirates have made the next season’s decision on their goalkeeper Siphamandla Gumede, who’s currently out on loan.
Gumede signed for the Buccaneers from the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League outfit Dondol Stars before the start of the current season.
He had caught attention with his spectacular performances in the Nedbank Cup run with Dondol.
The giant slayers’ tag was put on them after they enjoyed the joy of eliminating SuperSport United and AmaZulu FC in the Last 32 and 16, respectively.
They came close to causing an upset for Orlando Pirates in the quarterfinal, succumbing to a 5-4 defeat on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in the 120 minutes at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Gumede played an integral part in helping the side reach the last eight stage.
He was nominated for the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player of the Tournament alongside Stellenbosch FC youngsters Olwethu Makhanya [Who’s now at Philadelphia Union] and Devin Titus. The award was won by Makhanya.
In a deal that was hijacked from Richards Bay FC, the Soweto giants signed Gumede on a three-year deal.
He joined the goalkeeper department with Sipho Chaine, Richard Ofori, Melusi Buthelezi and Siyabonga Mpontshane.
However, the SuperSport United academy product was then loaned out to Orbit College. The North West-based side was promoted to the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season.
SIPHAMANDLA GUMEDE SET FOR PERMANENT RETURN TO ORLANDO PIRATES
Having spent this campaign in the second-tier, it is understood Gumede is set to return to the Sea Robbers permanently ahead of the next season.
The goalie’s come-back is prompted by the uncertainty over the futures of Ofori and Mpontshane whose contracts run out at the end of the season.
FARPost recently reported that Pirates have yet to speak to Ofori about the potential extension of the contract and his future continues to hang by a thread.
Meanwhile, Mpontshane was heavily linked with a departure last season, however, he stayed put. It remains to be seen what the Buccaneers will decide.
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