By Michael Madyira
Following weeks of speculation, Orlando Pirates have confirmed the signing of international striker Souaibou Marou from Cameroon.
The Buccaneers have completed the transfer of the forward from Cotonsport Garoua.
The Soweto giants reportedly pushed aside clubs in Germany and France to secure the signature of Marou who joins Pirates on a contract that will last until 2025.
“The 22-year-old has secured a deal that will see him at the Club until 2025,” announced Pirates in a statement.
“Marou comes to South Africa on the back of a three-year stint with his former club, Cotonsport, winning two league titles in the process, including the Player of the Season award in 2022.”
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has been struggling to find a prolific striker despite having a wide pool of forwards to pick from.
Riviero hopes to find a solution in Marou who arrives in South Africa highly rated after being at the 2022 Fifa World Cup with Cameroon in Qatar.
“His form in the Cameroonian league didn’t go unnoticed as he was selected to the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad that competed in Qatar,” Pirates said.
“The Cameroonian international, who concluded this deal with the club on Wednesday afternoon, will join his new teammates this morning.”
Marou will be competing for a starting place with the likes of Zakhele Lepasa, Kermit Erasmus, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Evidence Makgopa, Ndumiso Mabena, Vincent Pule and Kabelo Dlamini.
He becomes the second Cameroonian striker at Pirates after Bienvenu Eva Nga.
Eva Nga has, however, fallen out of favour with Riveiro and has been the subject of jeers from Buccaneers fans whenever he takes to the field.
After Kwame Peprah was sent on loan to Maritzburg United, Marou filled in the slot opened by the Ghanaian.
Having started training on Thursday it is not known if Marou will be selected when the Soweto giants host Stellenbosch on Sunday.
Pictured above: Souaibou Marou signs for Orlando Pirates
Image source: Orlando Pirates
