Orlando Pirates extend trial for Argentine midfielder Nahuel Melgarejo

Orlando Pirates have extended the trial period of Argentine midfielder Nahuel Melgarejo as the 22-year-old continues to work on his fitness, BBC Sport understands.

The South African club remain interested in the Mochudi Centre Chiefs player, but are believed to want further evidence that he can meet their physical demands before deciding whether to offer him a permanent contract.

Melgarejo has been training with the Soweto-based side while the club’s technical team assesses his ability to adapt to their requirements. The extended evaluation period means Pirates will have more time to examine his fitness, match readiness and overall suitability before reaching a final decision.

The left-footed player is understood to have travelled with Pirates to Durban for their match against AmaZulu. He was also part of the travelling group for the trip to Polokwane, where the Buccaneers faced Sekhukhune United in the MTN8.

His involvement in both matchday environments suggests that Pirates are keen to expose him to the club’s competitive and training standards while monitoring his progress. Although he has not yet secured a permanent move, being included in the squad for those fixtures has allowed the technical staff to assess how he responds to the demands surrounding first-team football.

Melgarejo is regarded as one of the leading players in Botswana’s top flight and has attracted Pirates’ attention through his technical quality and attacking contribution. His continued presence at the club indicates that the Buccaneers see potential in his game, despite the ongoing concerns surrounding his physical condition.

The Argentine is primarily known for operating from the left and is considered capable of influencing matches in the final third. He has been likened stylistically to Gaston Sirino, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs favourite.

Like Sirino, Melgarejo is viewed as a player who can use his pace to take on defenders and create opportunities from wide or advanced positions. His ability to deliver accurate balls into the penalty area is another aspect that has impressed those assessing him at Pirates.

He is also considered effective when operating in tight spaces, where his close control and technical ability can help him evade pressure. In addition, his left-footed shooting is seen as a source of danger around the edge of the box and in attacking situations.

Pirates will now continue assessing whether Melgarejo can raise his fitness levels sufficiently to match the physical requirements of the club. The lengthened trial gives both the player and the technical team additional time before a permanent transfer is considered.

For Melgarejo, the opportunity represents a chance to move from Botswana’s top flight to one of South Africa’s most prominent clubs. For Pirates, the decision will depend on whether his technical and attacking qualities can be matched by the fitness and physical standards expected at first-team level.