Orlando Pirates part ways with Angolan midfielder Gilberto after disappointing spell

Orlando Pirates and Angolan midfielder Deivi Miguel Vieira Gilberto have mutually agreed to terminate their contract, bringing an end to a largely disappointing chapter in the player’s career in South Africa.

The decision comes despite Gilberto still having one year remaining on his contract with the Buccaneers. Both parties have opted to go their separate ways after a spell that failed to meet expectations following the midfielder’s arrival from Petro de Luanda two years ago.

Gilberto joined Pirates with a growing reputation after impressing in Angola and was viewed as a player capable of adding creativity and energy to the club’s midfield. However, his time at the Soweto giants never truly took off as he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.

The midfielder found game time difficult to come by and was unable to secure a consistent place in the team despite arriving with considerable promise. As a result, Pirates sanctioned a loan move back to his former club, Petro de Luanda, for the 2025/26 season in the hope that regular football would help him rediscover his best form.

The loan spell was widely seen as an opportunity for Gilberto to rebuild his confidence and revive a career that had stalled since moving to South Africa. However, the expected turnaround never materialised, and his performances were ultimately not enough to convince Pirates that he remained part of their long-term plans.

Reports surrounding the player’s struggles have also linked his difficulties to issues away from football. Speculation has suggested that an unstable lifestyle may have affected his ability to settle and perform consistently during his time in South Africa. While such reports have circulated widely, neither the player nor the club has publicly addressed the claims.

What is clear is that the partnership between Pirates and Gilberto failed to produce the success many anticipated when the move was first completed. The midfielder’s technical ability was never in doubt, but he was unable to translate his potential into sustained performances for one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.

For Pirates, the mutual termination allows the club to free up space in the squad as preparations continue for the new season. The Buccaneers are expected to undergo significant changes both on and off the field as they seek to strengthen their squad and remain competitive in domestic and continental competitions.

Meanwhile, Gilberto now faces a crucial stage in his career. At  the peak years of his professional journey, the Angolan international will be eager to find stability and regular playing opportunities as he looks to reignite the promise that once made him one of the most highly regarded talents in Angolan football.

His departure closes the curtain on a move that never fully delivered for either party, with both player and club now hoping that a fresh start will prove beneficial in the next chapter of their respective journeys.