Team Update with Administrative Office

5 July, 2021

July marks the beginning of the year in football terms, for most leagues across the globe.

This is a time of the year where old contracts end, and new ones begin. 

As the teams in the DStv Premiership start to take shape in advance of the 2021/22 season, Orlando Pirates management is working around the clock in finalising the squad.

It is not unusual for most clubs during preseason, to begin their programmes with bloated squads. For the Buccaneers it will be no different.

The Technical Team will reduce the playing complement to a manageable number ahead of the new campaign.

Orlandopiratesfc.com reached out to Administrative Officer Floyd Mbele for the latest update.

“We met with the technical team last week and they have requested time to assess all the players, including those returning from loan before they can present their recommendations. 

“With respect to the players whose contracts have come to an end, contract negotiations are still ongoing” revealed Mbele. “We are in advance talks with their respective representatives and will make the necessary announcements in due course.”

Mbele also confirmed that the team had already returned late last week for Covid-19 testing and some initial fitness assessments, but the work truly begins with actual training this morning.

He added: “Preseason training starts today however, the players and technical staff returned last week. As a Club it is important that prior to any resumption of training taking place, we need to ensure that the necessary medical tests are done.

“Covid testing has become the norm. All our players and staff members had to undergo testing. Obviously, this is not a once off, as we are required as per the leagues’ return to play protocols, to continuously test and take the necessary precautions.”