Orlando Pirates make big call on loaned goalkeeper – report

Orlando Pirates make big call on loaned goalkeeper – report

Orlando Pirates have reportedly made a big call on loaned goalkeeper Sphamandla Gumede as the current season draws to a close.

According to FarPost, Gumede is set for a permanent return to Pirates next season.

And the publication reports that this is due to uncertainties around the future of both Richard Ofori and Siyabonga Mpontshane.

The two goalkeepers were linked with exits last season but Pirates offered them new deals before the start of the campaign.

However, it’s back to square one for them as Pirates have reportedly not discussed their futures with them.

Both Ofori and Mpontshane have not been playing at Pirates as Jose Riveiro prefers playing either Sipho Chaine or Melusi Buthelezi.

Chaine rose from being a fourth-choice goalkeeper to being Pirates’ No.1 in what shocked many but he’s been fantastic for them.

Now, Gumede knows that he’s got a very tough task aged of him if he wants to be Pirates’ first-choice goalkeeper next season.

Gumede is currently on loan at Motsepe Foundation Championship side Orbit College, and he’s done well for them so far.

ORLANDO PIRATES WANT TO KEEP

“Having spent this campaign in the second-tier, it is understood Gumede is set to return to the Sea Robbers permanently ahead of the next season,” reads part of the report.

“The goalie’s come-back is prompted by the uncertainty over the futures of Ofori and Mpontshane whose contracts run out at the end of the season.”

GUMEDE’S RISE TO THE TOP

Gumede made a name for himself during his time with ABC Motsepe League outfit Dondol Stars last season.

Dondo Stars beat two PSL sides in SuperSport United and AmaZulu on their way to the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals where they lost to Pirates.

He was instrumental in Dondol Stars holding Pirates to a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes before succumbing to a 5-4 penalty shootout loss.

Pirates then moved swiftly to acquire his services after Gumede was linked with a number of PSL sides after that Nedbank Cup run.

READ ALL FOOTBALL RELATED STORIES BY ERNEST MAKHAYA HERE…