Orlando Pirates add versatile Bulelani Sigomoshe to strengthen right-back options

Bulelani Sigomoshe’s arrival at Orlando Pirates gives coach Abdeslam Ouaddou an adaptable player who can operate in several positions and add a new attacking threat to the squad.

Pirates announced Sigomoshe as a right back and are expected to use him in defence, although he made his name in more advanced roles for Milford FC. The player can play on either wing, but featured mainly on the right for the KZN club.

From there, Sigomoshe used his pace and strength to reach the byline and deliver crosses into the penalty area. He is also capable of shielding the ball effectively, while his energy allows him to cover the full length of the flank.

Those qualities could make him a valuable option for Pirates in the CAF Champions League, as well as in domestic competition.

Competition for the right-back position

Before Sigomoshe’s signing, Kamogelo Sebelebele was Pirates’ only recognised right back. That left the club exposed over a demanding season involving several competitions.

Sebelebele’s own development has followed a similar path. He spent most of his time at TS Galaxy in advanced positions before converting successfully to right back under Ouaddou. In recent months, he has established himself as Pirates’ first-choice player in that role.

Pirates already have several wingers in their squad, making it likely that Sigomoshe will be used primarily at right back and compete directly with Sebelebele.

Milford expected Sigomoshe to attract interest

Milford coach Xanti Pupuma said he had long expected Sigomoshe, who is known as ‘Ace’, to leave the club.

The player was one of Milford’s leading performers during their promotion-winning campaign last season, which brought him to the attention of bigger clubs.

An injury sustained during the playoffs meant Sigomoshe missed Milford’s first three matches of the current campaign. He returned to play in the club’s final four games before completing his move to the Buccaneers.

“We always knew that ‘Ace’ was going to go. He had a great season last season. It was just a matter of time. He had a knock against Magesi (during the playoffs), which delayed his pre-season,” Pupuma said during a press conference after Milford’s match against Durban City.

The coach explained that Milford had been unwilling to allow Sigomoshe to leave before he had recovered fully, while also acknowledging that other players could move to bigger clubs.

“We had to sort him out. I wouldn’t have let him go with the injury, so we had to sort him out and there are a few others that we were expecting to go with the big teams, so we are prepared for that,” he said.

“We are not going to hold anyone back, but the offer and the deal has to be good for my player and I need to see that they are going to look after the boy.”