Orlando Pirates have announced a loan move for Angolan international Gilberto who goes back to Petro de Luanda for the remainder of the season.
The 23-year-old, whose real name is Deivi Miguel Vieira, joined the Betway Premiership side at the beginning of the season. The Soweto giants reportedly paid R10 million when they bought him from Petro de Luanda.
Despite signing a three-year deal, Gilberto failed to cement a regular position under coach Jose Riveiro. He has only featured in 12 matches in all competitions, twice in the League.
ORLANDO PIRATES CONFIRM A LONE MOVE FOR ANGOLAN WINGER GILBERTO
In a statement issued on Friday, the club says Gilberto will temporarily move to his hometown club, pending the successful completion of a medical.
“Orlando Pirates has reached an agreement for the loan transfer of Angolan international Gilberto to Petro de Luanda for the remainder of the season. The move sees Gilberto return to his hometown club, pending the successful completion of a medical,” the club said.
Gilberto is not the first player to leave the Buccaneers in recent times. Pirates have let go players such as defender Sandile Mthethwa who is now at AmaZulu and winger Katlego Otladisa who has secured a loan move to Sekhukhune United.
PETRO DE LUANDA WELCOME BACK SON OF THE SOIL AFTER SHORT STINT IN SOUTH AFRICA
Meanwhile, Petro de Luanda took to their social media pages to welcome back Gilberto. The message translated from Portuguese to English read: “Good children come home. Welcome back, Gibelé!,” the club wrote.
Gilberto spent two seasons at the 18-time Angolan champions before his move to South Africa. He had joined the club from fellow Girabola side CRD Libolo. During his first season at Petro, Gilberto was part of the squad that won the Girabola and the Angola Cup.
RELATED STORY: Jose Riveiro gives verdict on Orlando Pirates’ new signing Gilberto
