Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has reacted to the loss of his clutch central defender.
THABISO SESANE OUT
The Sea Robbers have lost a third central defender in one season. First, it was Tapelo Xoki, then Olisa Ndah, before it was Thabiso Sesane’s turn to suffer an injury during the 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United last Wednesday. “We felt [the impact] because it wasn’t an easy situation for Thabiso, it didn’t look good at that moment,” said Riveiro to journalists at the post-match conference. “Let’s see what it is [injury]. I think the team managed to continue with the same game plan, not changing so many things.
“That’s one of the strengths of this team. It doesn’t matter, but it matters who is playing in the team; the team finds its way to play our football.
Sesane’s injury fortunately occurred just when Orlando Pirates welcomed Xoki’s return to fitness after he was injured for two months.
“It’s not frequent that you have to change one of your centre-backs in the first stages of the game. It’s also difficult for Thapelo to come off the bench unexpectedly without time to activate himself. I think he did a good job,” concluded the Orlando Pirates tactician.
TSHEPANG MOREMI TO ORLANDO PIRATES?
Orlando Pirates are reportedly keen on signing a new speedy winger with tricks and skills.
According to Soccer Laduma, Orlando Pirates have taken the lead to sign Moremi after the 24-year-old’s two goals and two assists in 18 games so far this season. “As things stand now, we can say Pirates are in the forefront compared to Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs,” the source told the outlet. “They have inquired about his services and things could work out at the end of the season. It will all depend on talks and negotiations whenever they start as it’s still early to say much at the moment.
An additional insider said: “As I have said, it will all depend on the talks and negotiations but it could involve money and player exchange as well. The value of the player and what AmaZulu want from Pirates could also determine the whole deal at the end of the day.”
MARSHALL MUNETSI JOINS WOLVES
Staying with Orlando Pirates, former midfielder Munetsi has left France’s Stade Reims to join Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premiership. The 28-year-old makes the move after an impressive four goals and two assists in 19 games.
“I’m delighted. It’s a dream come true for me,” Munetsi told the club’s media. “I’ve always wanted to be part of something big, and being part of Wolves is something that is very big for me, and is big for my family. It’s a team that I’ve also seen from afar, and the Premier League is the best place to be, so I’m delighted to join the family, to join the team.
“I’m very excited. It’s probably going to be the first time I’ve had a big opportunity to be representing a bigger club. Nothing against Reims, but now you’re going to be playing in the Premier League, playing for Wolves. Also, we have a greater population in England than in Zimbabwe; I think I will feel even more at home than what I was doing in France.
“The first time I got there, I didn’t think I would stay for that long, but considering what I went through with the club, I really enjoyed my time there, and I think now it’s probably the best time, because I’ve gained so much experience.
“Being in the French league is also very tough, probably not as much as the Premier League, but I think it’s also quite competitive with the clubs that we have. So, I think those games will come in handy once I make this move,” the former Orlando Pirates footballer added.
HOW DO YOU REMEMBER MARSHALL MUNETSI AT ORLANDO PIRATES?
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