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Johannesburg - The addition of goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands, midfielder Thamsanqa Sangweni and forward Christian Obiozor should help improve the team’s fortunes.
After strengthening their spine with the signing of three new players, Orlando Pirates should rise to the occasion next season.
The arrival of goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands will go a long way in helping Orlando Pirates shut the back door.
Thamsanqa Sangweni will give much-needed stability in the middle of the park and Nigerian forward Christian Obiozor will ease the pressure on the team’s underperforming strikers.
For the past three seasons, Pirates’ Achilles heel has been their last line of defence in which the likes of Felipe Ovono, Brighton Mhlongo and Siyabonga Mpontshane have failed to make the number one jersey their own.
In fact, since the death of Senzo Meyiwa in 2014, Pirates have not had a reliable shot stopper.
However, the arrival of Sandilands (34), who joins Pirates from Mamelodi Sundowns and comes with lots of experience, should provide them with enough cover.
Pirates have also improved their strike force with the signing of Obiozor. They have been found wanting upfront, where the likes of Thamsanqa Gabuza and Tendai Ndoro faded as the season wore on.
Sangweni should complement captain Oupa Manyisa in the middle of the park.
On the other side, Kaizer Chiefs are waiting for the arrival of three international strikers to bolster their strike force. Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung said they would make the announcement this week.
“As soon as they land, we will let you know. They are all strikers because that’s where we need manpower,” said Motaung.
Amakhosi have already signed Philani Zulu from Maritzburg United, as well as former Cape Town City winger Bhongolethu Jayiya. Zimbabwean defender Teenage Hadebe has joined from Chicken Inn.
Former Platinum Stars striker Ndumiso Mabena is expected to arrive in the City of Roses today to join Bloemfontein Celtic, but Chiefs are also rumoured to be after his signature.
Newcomers AmaZulu have acquired the services of Sadat Ouro-Akoriko, Sduduzo Dlamini, Jabulani Ncobeni, Siyabonga Mbatha and Siyethemba Mnguni.
Baroka FC have also been busy on the transfer market after signing Zimbabwe international Talent Chawapiwa from FC Platinum and former Kaizer Chiefs striker Lewis Macha. Jabulani Shongwe could also make a move to Baroka FC from champions Bidvest Wits.
