Orlando Pirates sign right winger for R11 million, is Saleng leaving?

Orlando Pirates will soon wrap up the R11 million signing of Angolan winger Gilberto. Where does that leave Monnapule Saleng?

Pirates wrap up signing of CAF Champions League wide player

The Sea Robbers will officially seal a deal for Petro Luanda’s Gilberto (Deivi Miguel Vieira) once he passes a medical. The 23-year-old Petro Luanda star operates predominantly on the right wing and has seven caps for Angola to go with his two international goals. He bagged two assists from nine appearances in last season’s CAF Champions League and Pirates are understandably keen to add a player with experience in that continental competition. They’ll square off against Africa’s finest in 2024-2025.

Gilberto will officially become a Buccaneer once he passes a medical. Image: Petro de Luanca

Is Saleng closing his Sea Robbers chapter

26-year-old Monnapule Saleng’s future is up in the air. The Bafana man enjoyed a late-season renaissance, winning his place back in the starting XI after struggling for form over the majority of the campaign. All of this after he sparkled in 2022-2023, hitting 15 goals and 11 assists in 30 matches across all competitions. Those stats saw him crowned PSL Player of the Season. With the arrival of Gilberto, Saleng now has direct competition for his place. It’ll either get the best out of him, or the Bucs board will see this as the perfect time to sell Saleng to the highest bidder.

Irvin Khoza. Image: TSA

Changes to the technical team

Performance analyst Devon O’Brien will join Orlando Pirates from Stellenbosch imminently after just over a year with the impressive and improving Winelands outfit. Stellenbosch finished the last campaign in third place in the league, a single point behind Pirates. They also claimed their first-ever piece of silverware, winning the Carling Knockout. O’Brien was instrumental in this. O’Brien will link up with the Buccaneers before they tour Europe. They face Sevilla, Plymouth Argyle and Al Sadd between 8 and 20 July.

“Dear Stellenbosch FC Family, as I embark on a new chapter in my career, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible experience I’ve had with Stellenbosch FC. It has been an honour and a privilege to be part of such a dedicated and passionate team,” he wrote on his social media accounts.

Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix

What are your thoughts on the signing of Gilberto? Let us know in the comments.