Orlando Pirates have hit the ground running have just arrived in Spain and straight to the training ground.
Pirates players have been putting in the hard yards under the watchful eye of new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Buccaneers arrive in Spain for pre-season
Pirates find themselves in their Spanish base of Marbella for their third pre-season in a row. It is also their first under new coach Ouaddou. He is just one of a few new faces at the club which includes 11 new signings. Out of those 11, only nine have been confirmed with the last being talented Bafana Bafana international Oswin Appollis. He has already been spotted being put through his paces with this publication revealing his jersey number.
Appollis is set to wear the famous jersey number 15 at Pirates, previously worn by some fan favourite midfielders. Those being Andile Jali who wore it in his prime at the club and most recently Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo. So with that in mind, one would think a player like Sipho Mbule, who is primed to be a fan favourite would take it.
Mbule to wear jersey 39
But according to a video of the club training in Spain Mbule’s number at Pirates seems to have been confirmed. In the training video, the former Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker was seen spotting jersey 39. The number is interesting and unorthodox from the player, leaving one wondering the inspiration behind it.
Mbule signing for Pirates shook the internet as he was offered to arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs a week or two prior. Out of nowhere he was unveiled as a Buccaneers after leaving Sundowns on a free. While there has been little doubt over the talents of the 27-year-old, it’s been the off-field issues that derail him. It now remains to be seen if he can put that all behind him and prove his worth at the Soweto Giants.
What are your expectations Pirates fans?
Pirates fans, what do you think of Mbule’s choice of 39 for a jersey number? How do you think he will do this season? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
