Orlando Pirates have right-back options despite exits, says club legend

Even after the departures of Deano Van Rooyen and Thabiso Lebitso, Orlando Pirates have enough cover at right-back and do not necessarily need to rush into the market for Polokwane City defender Thabang Matuludi, according to former striker Phumudzo Manenzhe.

Pirates confirmed Van Rooyen’s departure last week after discussions between the player and the club, with a lack of regular playing time understood to have influenced the decision to part ways.

The defender is the latest in a series of right-backs to leave Orlando Pirates in recent times. Bandile Shandu has joined Durban City, while Thabiso Lebitso is now with Stellenbosch FC.

Those exits have left Kamogelo Sebelebele as the club’s only recognised specialist right-back, prompting concern among supporters and increasing calls for Pirates to sign Matuludi before the transfer window closes.

The Bafana Bafana international has been linked with a move to Rand Stadium for some time, with his future at Polokwane City appearing increasingly uncertain. Polokwane City are also known as Rise and Shine.

However, Manenzhe believes Orlando Pirates have already shown during pre-season that they possess players capable of filling the position.

“Coming back to Orlando Pirates releasing the likes of Van Rooyen, Shandu, and Lebitso, I know that during the off-season we were busy with the World Cup and did not have much time to focus on the market.

“But, for me, watching Pirates play in pre-season in Spain, I saw [Ghampani] Lungu play at right-back in one or two games in Spain. I saw Sebebelele play as right back. I also saw [Sbangani] Zulu – who is versatile and signed as a centre-back – I saw him play right back.

“I have already counted three players that have played that position,” detailed Manenzhe.

Manenzhe’s assessment comes as supporters continue to monitor whether Pirates will strengthen their squad before the domestic transfer deadline. While Sebelebele remains the main option in the position, Lungu and Zulu have both featured there during the club’s preparations in Spain.

The departures of Van Rooyen, Shandu and Lebitso have nevertheless reduced the number of established full-backs available to head coach Jose Riveiro, making the position one of the areas expected to attract attention before the end of the window.

The PSL transfer window closes on 22 September, and Orlando Pirates are still expected to complete one or two signings before that deadline.

Matuludi remains the player most frequently linked with a possible move to the club, but Manenzhe’s comments suggest Pirates may not be as exposed at right-back as the recent departures initially indicated.