Veteran coach Gordon Igesund feels Orlando Pirates need to be watertight at the back and might need to reinforce their defence for the 2025/26 season.
The Buccaneers have managed to keep four clean sheets in the eight matches they have been involved in across all competitions so far this season. In the process, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side has conceded five goals in a season they appear to have depth in central defence.
But they are assessing Abia Warriors centre-back Chimzulam Collins Nwoburuoke, a big hint that Ouaddou is still not satisfied with what he has in that part of his backline. Nwoburuoke arrives at Pirates, who already have top-performing central defenders.
Teenage defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is arguably the Man of the Moment following his steely display in Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria.
When fit, captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has been solid, while Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane have resumed full training after recovering from injuries.
Ouaddou has had the luxury to bench Tapelo Xoki for Lebone Seema, who appears to have already settled after arriving from TS Galaxy in July. But Igesund feels that just like any other team, Pirates need a new man at the back.
IGESUND SPELLS OUT PIRATES’ NEEDS
“Yes, they need a good centre-back, everybody needs a good centre-back,” Igesund told FARPost. “They are conceding goals, you see. I usually don’t want to talk about what a team should or should not do. The coach decides what he wants; he has to work on them and get them to understand each other.
“A lot of these players are still new in the team, and they haven’t adjusted yet. The coach bought the players, and he knows what he wants. If he wants another one, that’s his decision, and if he doesn’t want another one, he must decide. What I do know is that the expectations are very high now because Pirates are one of the teams that should be challenging [Mamelodi] Sundowns.
“They can do that; the coach must be given time to see if he bought the right players who have to adjust to his style.”
Nwoburuoke is a right-footed central defender, and Pirates have Mbokazi as the only centre-back who is natural with his left foot.
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