Orlando Pirates has confirmed that their new signing, Gilberto, has finally obtained his work permit, paving the way for his official debut in the famous Black and White jersey.
The Angolan international, who joined Pirates from Petro du Luanda on a three-year deal most recently, has eagerly awaited his work permit to begin his tenure at the Soweto giants.
Due to a work permit issue, Delvi Miguel Vieira, better known as Gilberto, missed Pirates’ first match of the new season against SuperSport United in the MTN8 quarter-finals at a packed Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 3 August 2024.
And despite being cleared to play, Gilberto will have to wait a little longer to make his debut for Pirates because of the timing of his work permit approval.
The 23-year-old is not eligible to feature in tonight’s [Friday] second leg of Pirates’ CAF Champions League first preliminary round clash against Madagascar’s Disciples FC in Soweto. [Kickoff at 19:00].
Disciples FC held ‘The Buccaneers’ to a goalless draw in the first-leg last Sunday at Côte d’Or National Sports Complex in Mauritius.
However, Pirates will have the advantage of home support at Orlando in Soweto this evening. A victory will propel the 1995 CAF Champions League winners closer to the tournament’s group stages.
GILBERTO SET FOR PIRATES DEBUT
In a statement released an hour before their encounter against Disciples FC, Pirates said: “Meanwhile, apart from the list of players who are still recovering from their respective injuries, one other player who won’t be available for selection tonight is new signing Gilberto.
“Gilberto has missed the Buccaneers’ opening fixtures as he was awaiting his work permit. However, Orlandopiratesfc.com can confirm that Gilberto has finally received the necessary paperwork to play for the club.
“But this will only be from the next round of the CAF Champions League qualifiers, should Pirates win tonight. Gilberto will be available for selection for the MTN8 clash against Cape Town City next week.”
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