By Michael Madyira
Former Orlando Pirates defender Gavin Lane has suggested that the Buccaneers should not change last season’s squad too much.
The team fielded by coach Jose Riveiro twice denied Mamelodi Sundowns silverware last season by beating the Brazilians in the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup finals.
Bucs also finished runners-up to Masandawana in the PSL title race, and Lane believes Riveiro should not tinker too much with what he already has.
“I think Pirates did extremely well last season. The coach is getting a lot from the current players. I don’t think a big refurbishment needs to be done,” Lane told Scrolla.Africa.
“Maybe just buy a few players for positions that are vital to the team.”
He said Bucs were scoring goals, but they might need another striker or two, another strong midfielder, or a defender for backup.
“If it were up to me, I wouldn’t go mad in the market,” he said.
The Soweto giants have already released six players: Souaibou Marou, Fortune Makaringe, Kermit Erasmus, and Thabang Monare, as well as goalkeepers Richard Ofori and Siyabonga Mpontshane.
Bucs has signed goalkeeper Ethan Khel from NC Professionals and midfielder Thuso Moleleki, formerly with Orbit College.
On Friday morning, Pirates announced the signing of Angola international forward Gilberto from Petro Atletico.
“Obviously, the coach has seen something in Gilberto, and that is why he signed him,” said Lane.”
More new arrivals are expected in the next few days before Pirates leave on 8 July for a pre-season tour of Spain.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro.
Source: Orlando Pirates
