Orlando Pirates have secured the signing of highly-rated Angolan attacker Gilberto, strengthening their attacking options ahead of the 2024/25 season.
The 23-year-old joins the Buccaneers after a stellar season with Angolan giants Petro de Luanda that saw him impress at both club and international level.
Gilberto, who played a key role in Angola’s run to the 2023 AFCON quarter-finals in Ivory Coast, penned a three-year deal with Pirates. He will join his new teammates on their pre-season tour in Spain starting on July 8th.
Primarily a right-winger, Gilberto boasts experience on the international stage, having earned seven caps and netted two goals for Angola. His impressive form last season with Petro de Luanda also includes five goals and two assists in just 13 league appearances, showcasing his attacking prowess.
Pirates, aiming for a strong showing in the 2024/25 CAF Champions League season, have secured a player well-versed in continental competition, evidenced by his two assists in nine Champions League appearances last campaign.
Gilberto joins ORLANDO Pirates on a three-year deal
“Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of Delvi Miguel Vieira,” reads the club statement. “The 23-year-old joins the club on a three-year deal after passing a medical and finalising personal terms.
“Delvi, who is better known as Gilberto, joins the Buccaneers after two seasons with Angolan Girabola champions Petro du Luanda. The enterprising forward comes off an impressive season where he starred at the African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast earlier in the year, helping guide Angola to the quarter-finals of the competition.”
Before setting sail for Spain with his new team, Gilberto will return to Angola today [Friday] to finalize some necessary paperwork. This will ensure his smooth integration into the Pirates squad when they kick off their pre-season tour in Europe.
The Buccaneers’ pre-season tour in Spain is packed with three exciting match-ups. Their journey begins on July 12th with a clash against English Championship side Plymouth Argyle.
The intensity ramps up on July 15th when they face La Liga giants Sevilla in Seville. To cap off the tour, the defending MTN8 and Nedbank Cup champions will take on Qatari outfit Al Sadd SC on July 19th.
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