Former Orlando Pirates coach Gordon Igesund has weighed in on whether or not coach Abdeslam Ouaddou should sign a new centre-back during the January player transfer window.
This follows the departure of Mbekezeli Mbokazi who joined Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire FC. Mbokazi’s exit might have left Ouaddou needing to find a left-footed central defender.
The Buccaneers appear well-stocked in the centre-back role where they have captain Nkosinathi Sibisi and Lebone Seema who has been consistent this season. They have also welcomed back Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane from injuries.
Vice-captain Tapelo Xoki is another option for Ouaddou at the heart of defence. However, there is still debate about the club moving in to replace Mbokazi or continue with the men they already have.
In adjusting his central defence set-up post-Mbokazi, Ouaddou said he might switch to fielding three centre-backs instead of two. This was after he had Ndah, Sesane and Seema as partners during the Black Label Carling Cup final against the PSL ALL-Stars.
IGESUND ANSWERS THE BIG QUESTION AS PIRATES PREPARE FOR POST-MBOKAZI ERA
“Obviously, he is gone because of what he has done since last season. He became key for Pirates and I don’t want to tell Pirates what to do, but they know what they need,” Igesund told FARPost.
“I’m sure he is leaving on good terms because Pirates created an opportunity for him. I wouldn’t say whether they replace him or not, but they are a team that has been doing well.
“Remember, at the start of this season, I predicted that they would catch Sundowns and they are doing just that. They are not going to let themselves continue like that if they feel they need to replace Mbokazi.
“It’s all up to the coach, I think they got replacements for him. They can go on with the guys they already have in central defence.
“But like I said, that depends on the coach looking at what he has. I think they have got back up. They won’t do anything silly, especially knowing they have good chances to win the league.
“I know Pirates they are a big professional club know what they are doing, Dr [Irvin] Khoza knows what he is doing. Maybe they are already eyeing someone elsewhere.”
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