Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says they are in the market for “one or two more goalkeepers” following the departure of Melusi Buthelezi, who recently joined Sekhukhune United.
As witnessed by FARPost during Pirates’ training session at Rand Stadium on Tuesday, only three goalkeepers were working out. The Buccaneers’ first-choice and Bafana Bafana shot-stopper Sipho Chaine was undergoing drills together with Siyabonga Dladla and Zoey Monyepao under the watchful eyes of goalkeeper trainers Siyabonga Mpontshane and Tyron Damons.
The Buccaneers appear thin in the goalkeeping department ahead of what promises to be a hectic season. They will be out to defend the Betway Premiership, MTN8 and Carling Knockout.
Also to play for is the Nedbank Cup and the more demanding CAF Champions League. Ouaddou has so far signed nine in-field players and is yet to beef up the goalkeeping department, from where Chaine emerged as the best in the PSL last season with a record 21 clean sheets.
ORLANDO PIRATES’ GOALKEEPER NEEDS REVEALED BY ABDESLAM OUADDOU
The former Fulham defender warns the club could be exposed between the posts should injury or suspension hit their first-choice goalkeeper this season.
“Regarding the numbers, we now have three goalkeepers. We have Sipho Chaine, Zoey and Dladla. But of course, you know, in a season we can have injuries, we can have suspensions,” Ouaddou told the media at the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season launch at The Venue at The Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
“For me, I think we can have like four or five keepers. So, if we can have one or two more keepers in order to complete this department, it will be suitable for us.
“As you know, we may play 60 games this season, and we need to be secure in that area. But of course, we have Sipho Chaine, who had a fantastic season last season and is looking forward to having the same season.”
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