Heartbreak: The owner of the Orlando Pirates has spent over $20 billion signing an all-time great player, but the head coach has…
The Orlando Pirates confirmed the signings of defenders Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki on Monday morning, announcing two new additions for the 2022–2023 DStv Premiership season.
ALSO READ: Chiefs could still snag Memela despite his almost complete transfer to SuperSport
Sibisi, who left the Golden Arrows to join the Pirates, has been speculated to join the Buccaneers for some time. He joins Neverdie Makhubela, a former teammate who signed with the Bucs before the 2018 season began. Sibisi, 26, has been a member of Abafana Be’Sthende since 2015 and has occasionally served as the team’s captain.
Sibisi’s versatility as a right-back and center-back will provide the Pirates technical staff with more alternatives when it comes to lineup configuration. The KwaZulu-Natal native made 24 appearances in the previous season and was a vital member of the Arrows team.
Along with his ability to score goals as a defender, he adds another valuable component to the Bucs squad. The previous season, he scored three goals and contributed one assist.
READ MORE Pirates defeat Lions to go to the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup
“The Orlando Pirates Football Club can officially announce that they and the Golden Arrows have come to a transfer agreement for Nkosinathi Sibisi. When the transfer window reopens on July 1st, the 26-year-old defender will play for the Buccaneers at Orlando Stadium, per an agreement reached between the club and Abafana Be’Sthende.
In Xoki’s agreement, however, the news was initially released by his previous team, AmaZulu FC, who disclosed that the transfer was a component of former Bucs striker Gabadinho Mhango’s journey to Usuthu.
“Tapelo Xoki, a 27-year-old defender, has joined the club from AmaZulu in a deal that sees Gabadinho Mhango move to Usuthu,” according to a statement from Orlando Pirates FC.
After recently parting ways with Thulani Hlatshwayo, the Bucs are aiming to stabilize their defense, which is why Sibisi and Xoki are moving to Gauteng.
Along with Olisa Ndah, Innocent Maela, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Kwanda Mngonyama, and captain Happy Jele, the two new additions will compete for a spot in the starting lineup. However, Happy Jele’s future with the team is still up in the air since his contract is nearing its expiration.
Leave a Reply