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Pirates covered in central defence, says Mokwena

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates assistant coach Rulani Mokwena believes the Absa Premiership side have enough central defenders at their disposal.

There has been widespread reports suggesting that the Buccaneers are eyeing Wits and Bafana Bafana captain Thulani Hlatshwayo.

But while speaking to the media at the launch of the SAB under-21 championships, Mokwena suggested it is unlikely the Buccaneers will be going to market for another central defender.

"I don't want to talk about other teams' players," he said.

"But we have about seven centre-backs already. We have Justice Chabalala, Gladwin Shitolo, Happy Jele, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Marshall Munetsi and two who have returned from loans - Sandile Mthethwa and Brian Hlongwa. So, we are covered there," he pointed out.

The Sea Robbers have otherwise been busy in the transfer market and now face the challenge of getting the new players settled in.

But Mokwena is confident this won't be an issue.

"There'll be no instability because the players are well-managed at Pirates," he said.

"Man-management comes to the fore in moments like this. The new players will add value and bring about competitiveness to the club.

"They come with different dynamics. It's a good problem we have at Pirates that this season our squad is bigger," he concluded.

The new arrivals include Vincent Pule, Linda Mntambo, Ben Motshwari, Meshack Maphangule, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Asavela Mbekile, Paseka Mako, Abel Mabaso and Brilliant Khuzwayo.

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