Orlando Pirates to release TWO goalkeepers?

Orlando Pirates have a surplus of goalkeepers and that means two of their custodians could leave the club.

Pirates to let go of Ofori and Mpontshane

Ghanaian Richard Ofori and 38-year-old Siyabonga Mpontshane are both out of contract in June and are expected to leave the Buccaneers this winter, according to The Citizen. Mpontshane will be retiring after a nine-year stint with the club after his move from the now-defunct Platinum Stars in 2015. Meanwhile, The Sea Robbers have a one-year option on Ofori’s current deal. The 30-year-old has yet to appear in the league this term, with Sipho Chaine and Melusi Buthelezi the firm favourites to hold the gloves.

Middle Eastern clubs want Orlando Pirates man Ofori

“Siya has been with Pirates for close to 10 years and he’s well-liked at the club but he’s 38 now. It looks more likely that he will retire at the end of the season. Pirates might keep him in a non-playing capacity,” a source confirmed.

“Ofori is a tricky one because he hasn’t been playing and has received criticism from Ghanaians back home. He must play in order to keep his place in the Ghana national team. I’m told he has interest from clubs in the Middle East if Pirates don’t exercise the one-year option on his contract.”

Meanwhile, Sphamandla Gumede will return from his loan spell at Motsepe Foundation Championship side Orbit College to challenge Chaine for the number 1 role.

Richard Ofori celebrates the Nedbank Cup title in May 2022. Image: @orlandopirates/X.

ORLANDO PIRATES FUMBLED THE FOSTER BAG

Lyle Foster signed for Burnley at the start of 2023 from Belgian side Westerlo. He’s flying for the Clarets. The 23-year-old helped them to Premier League promotion and now he’s an integral member of their squad in the English top-flight.

According to FIFA rules, a club that developed an U23 player is obliged to accrue a payment for every international transfer the player makes. Pirates waived their share of future sell-on fees with Lyle Foster when he moved to Monaco in 2019. The Ligue 1 Principality side paid R20 million for him. That’s a tiny proportion of the €11 million (R225 million) that Burnley shelled out for the talented Bafana striker.

The Pirates board fumbled the bag here. It’s a decision that will come back to haunt them.

Lyle Foster of Orlando Pirates celebrates a goal during the Absa Premiership 2017/18 match between Orlando Pirates and Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium, Soweto South Africa on 20 January 2018 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix.

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