Divided views over Orlando Pirates trialist Nahuel Melgarejo

Orlando Pirates have received mixed assessments over Argentine midfielder Nahuel Melgarejo, who has been training with the Soweto club while being considered for a possible move from Mochudi Centre Chiefs.

Photos and videos of the 22-year-old working with Pirates circulated at the beginning of the month. Melgarejo was also seen in the stands at Orlando Amstel Arena, suggesting he is undergoing an assessment with the South African club.

KickOff spoke to several sources in Botswana to establish the level of the Centre Chiefs attacker, who has previously played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

One source was unconvinced by what they had seen from Melgarejo and questioned whether he would improve the Pirates squad.

“I’ve seen him, he is not really an exciting player but Pirates are Pirates, maybe they know what they are going to do with him,” the source said.

The same source also compared Melgarejo unfavourably with Tshepang Moremi, while pointing to Pirates’ previous recruitment of players who had not made a major impact.

“I don’t know if they are going to sign him, because what (Tshepang) Moremi can do, that guy can’t do. But if they sign him, they’ve signed other players (who were not high quality) before, we’ll see.”

A second source offered a more positive appraisal, describing Melgarejo as a technically gifted left-footed player who had appeared to stand out in Botswana’s domestic football.

“The guy is technically good, left-footed. He seemed too good for Botswana football. Most of the games he played he was deployed on the wide right side, always dangerous with combination play and cutting in,” the source said.

The source also highlighted Melgarejo’s willingness to contribute without the ball.

“He has the ability to assist defensively, the player is good (in my opinion).”

However, another source questioned whether the midfielder would be able to adapt quickly to the intensity of the Premier Soccer League (PSL), should Pirates decide to sign him.

The concern centres on the difference in tempo between football in Botswana and the South African top flight. Foreign players have often found it difficult to adjust immediately to the quicker, more physically demanding style of the PSL.

“Football this side (in Botswana) is too slow, they like playing walking football, it’s not that quick but we’ll see,” the source said.

The source added that players who perform well in Botswana have traditionally looked towards Morocco and other North African leagues for their next move, where the style is perceived to be more familiar.

“Most players who impress here normally go to Morocco or anywhere in North Africa. From what I hear, (players from Botswana leagues feel) Morocco is similar to Botswana, they don’t like running a lot but we’ll see.”

Melgarejo’s potential move therefore remains uncertain, with opinion divided over whether his technical ability and defensive contribution would translate successfully to Pirates and the demands of the PSL.