Orlando Pirates legend Eugene Zwane has weighed in on the club’s latest signing, explaining the tactical and strategic reasons behind the acquisition of right-winger Bheki Mabuza.
The Buccaneers officially confirmed the signing of Mabuza from Betway Premiership side Marumo Gallants on Wednesday, 9 September.
Mabuza’s transfer marks a return to familiar territory, having previously honed his craft within the Soweto giants’ reserve team setup.
Last season, Mabuza made 32 appearances across all competitions for Gallants, contributing three goals and an assist. He has featured three times in the current campaign.
As part of the agreement, Pirates sent Zimbabwean international winger Daniel Msendami and Abdoulaye Mariko on season-long loans to Gallants for the remainder of the 2026/27 campaign.
EUGENE ZWANE ON WHY ORLANDO PIRATES SIGNED BHEKI MABUZA
Speaking in an exclusive interview with FARPost, Zwane explained that bringing in Mabuza serves a dual purpose: fostering healthy squad competition and managing the demands of a congested schedule.
“Well, sometimes the inclusion of players is not so much about whether they will play, but it could also be intended to push other players,” Zwane told FARPost.
“You know, successful teams are known to have a very strong bench and a very strong backup in the stands. So, it’s not all about the player playing. We all know they are there on merit, and we know what they are capable of. But some players will give you the same consistent performance game to game, while some players will sometimes go cold. However, the aim is to get everybody to perform consistently.
“This makes players aware that there’s somebody waiting to get the opportunity to play, and if I’m not performing, then someone else from the stands will come in and do the job. So, that’s the mentality around bringing in new talent, even when you think there’s sufficient talent at the club.”
EUGENE ZWANE ON SQUAD DEPTH FOR MULTIPLE COMPETITIONS
With the Sea Robbers competing on multiple domestic and continental fronts, Zwane highlighted that squad depth will be critical to sustaining their ambition across all competitions.
“I also think another reason could be to build depth in the team because there are going to be so many games, and we know Pirates want to compete in all the competitions,” Zwane added.
“You know, they want to defend the MTN8, Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, and have ambitions of going all the way in the CAF Champions League.
“So, they really need manpower because there are going to be injuries, fatigue, suspensions, and all sorts of things. To prepare for that, they have to build depth within the squad, which is what I think they are doing.”
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