Gilberto set for Angola return after Orlando Pirates departure

Former Orlando Pirates winger Gilberto is in line for a return to the Angola national team after making an encouraging start to life at Wiliete Sport Clube de Benguela SAD.

The 24-year-old is expected to be included in new coach Aliou Cisse’s squad for next week’s announcement ahead of Angola’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

It would mark Gilberto’s return to the Palancas Negras almost a year after his last international appearance, and comes after a series of positive developments since he left Pirates.

Gilberto joined Orlando Pirates in a multi-million transfer but endured a difficult spell under Jose Riveiro during the first half of the 2024/25 season. He made 12 appearances for the club, completing a full match on only one occasion.

That limited involvement did not meet the winger’s expectations. In January 2025, he requested a loan move back to his former club, Petro de Luanda, in an attempt to revive his career.

After a loan spell lasting 18 months, Orlando Pirates eventually ended their association with the player. Rather than remain at Petro de Luanda, Gilberto chose a fresh challenge with Wiliete Sport Clube de Benguela SAD, who offered him a lucrative contract.

His move to the financially stable Angolan club has so far proved fruitful. Gilberto has scored twice and supplied one assist in four matches, operating on the wing for Wiliete.

That form has also placed him in contention for a major continental fixture. Wiliete are likely to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the second round of CAF Champions League qualifying, giving Gilberto the prospect of another high-profile opportunity shortly after his move.

His expected international recall is the latest reward for a strong opening to the season. Cisse is understood to have identified Gilberto among the players he plans to select for Angola’s upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.

Angola have been drawn in Group B alongside Egypt, Malawi and South Sudan. The qualifying matches are due to begin this month, when Gilberto could make his first appearance for the national side since his previous international outing nearly a year ago.

His return would represent a significant change in fortunes from his time at Orlando Pirates, where regular opportunities were limited despite the substantial investment made to bring him to the club.