Former Orlando Pirates marksman Katlego Mashego acknowledges that the Buccaneers’ front line failed to deliver prolific numbers last term, but insists there is no need for alarm as the club prepares to integrate new signing Sebastian Pedersen.
The Soweto giants currently boast four recognised central forwards in Evidence Makgopa, Yanela Mbuthuma, Boitumelo Radiopane, and new signing Sebastian Pedersen. Following coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s decision to release Tshegofatso Mabasa, the Buccaneers were widely expected to bolster their attack—a void filled on Sunday with the official unveiling of the Norwegian striker.
This is also after Makgopa managed seven goals and four assists in 30 games across all competitions last season. Mbuthuma had eight goals and three assists in 32 matches. After starting the season as a regular, Radiopane fell down the pecking order and ended the campaign with not a single goal and one assist to his name in five appearances.
Midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng, who left the Buccaneers for Belgian top-flight league side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, was the club’s top goal-scorer with 11 strikes and nine assists in 36 outings.
Heading back into the more demanding CAF Champions League, Pirates have just beefed up their strikeforce ahead of the upcoming season with the arrival of Pedersen.
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Speaking to FARPost, the former Bafana Bafana marksman says the system used by Ouaddou in the upcoming season might allow strikers to flourish and score many goals.
“To say they should prioritise, I’m not sure. But maybe just look for someone to complement Makgopa, Mbuthuma, Radiopane and [Andre] De Jong,” Mashego told FARPost.
“I think they had a post-season review, and they probably could have identified positions they need to strengthen. It’s not bad having three strikers; it still creates competition for places.
“Yes, Pirates strikers didn’t score many goals last season, and we have to be honest about that. But I think they still have capable guys who can score next season. I think after the review, they realised what is needed.
“If you look at it that way [losing high scorer Mofokeng and Pirates forwards not scoring last season], it makes sense to have a new striker. Football is judged by whatever happens in a season,” Mashego, who also played for Mamelodi Sundowns, went on.
“We don’t know what the strategy is for this season. Maybe Evidence, Mbuthuma, [Oswin] Appollis, or [Patrick Maswanganyi] Tito will carry the team. It will not disrupt the team that this and that players have left the club. But I think they have a strategy.
“Seasons are not the same. I have played football, and I know that we always hope for a better season. We can’t look too much into the past season.”
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