Why Pirates saw it fit to recall Azola Tshobeni from JDR Stars
JDR Stars boss Nditsheni Nemasisi has delivered his verdict on Orlando Pirates midfielder Azola Tshobeni, revealing why the Soweto giants saw it fit to recall him from loan.
In order to play regular football, Tshobeni spent the last three seasons on loan with JDR Stars at the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The attacking midfielder was also sent out on loan to gain experience after failing to break into the starting lineup at Pirates.
The 22-year-old broke into the scene at Pirates during the 2020/21 season after being promoted from the club’s development structures.
In his first season in the senior team, Tshobeni made only six appearances across all competitions for the Buccaneers. The lack of game time saw him move to JDR Stars in search of playing opportunities.
At Stars, Tshobeni established himself and became a key player for the club, making 70 appearances in three seasons and scoring two goals.
After establishing himself as a regular starter at the Pretoria-based side, Tshobeni returned to Pirates, intending to fight for a starting berth under the head coach Jose Riveiro in the 2024/25 season.
WHAT DID NEMASISI SAY ABOUT AZOLA TSHOBENI?
Nemasisi has admitted that Tshobeni has served Stars very well and believes he gained enough experience to be given a chance at Pirates.
“I think that’s a boy who served us very well; he served us with commitment. I would have him any day, but I felt he has amassed enough minutes in the NFD,” Nemasisi told FARPost.
“So I think Pirates saw it fit to take him back and try him in the PSL. I don’t know his current position there but I think they would give him an opportunity in the PSL.
“I think he’s ready; it’s quite a loss to us because we are used to having him. He was with us for three seasons, and he’s still an Under-23 and a quality one for that matter. But he served us well. We still have a very good relationship with him and Orlando Pirates.”
The left-footed attacker is following the footsteps of players such as Monnapule Saleng, Thabiso Sesane, Sandile Mthethwa, Zakhele Lepasa, and Innocent Maela, who returned to Pirates from loan and played regularly at the club.
Tshobeni will face stiff competition in the attacking midfield position from Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Kabelo Dlamini, Karim Kimvuidi, Lesedi Kapinga, Monnapule Saleng, and Thuso Moleleki.
RELATED STORY: Chippa United at risk of losing highly-rated defender for free