Former Orlando Pirates captain, Lucky Lekgwathi has had his say on where the Buccaneers should reinforce their squad in the January transfer window. As we approach the halfway mark of the season, the coaches have obviously seen where their teams are lacking, and the upcoming window is an opportunity to bring solutions to their issues.
Pirates coach José Riveiro has brought some positive changes in the team to date, yet many signings were made prior to his appointment in the off-season. And in January, he will perhaps get a chance to pick the players he wants, if the club’s management grants him that right.
According to Lekgwathi, who served the Happy People for 12 years, Thabiso Monyane is the only natural right-back that Pirates have. However, the club has also been utilising Bandile Shandu in the same position, but the former Bucs skipper claims that the ex-Maritzburg United star isn’t a natural right-back.
“The right-back position has two players, Thabiso Monyane and Bandile Shandu but I think Shandu is not a [natural] right-back,” Lekgwathi told ThisIsFootball.Africa.
“The way he plays, they [Pirates] must get someone who’s going to back up or compete with Thabiso. That’s the only position [right-back] I’ll admit that it has to be reinforced.”
Lekgwathi also heaped praise on the centre-back Sandile Mthethwa who produced an impressive performance in the Carling Black Label Cup, in the absence of the regulars Olisa Ndah and Nkosinathi Sibisi.
“At first, I thought that the centre-back position [should be bolstered too], but after seeing Mthethwa, I think we’re sorted. If another central defender is not there Mthethwa can fill up that position, I was impressed with him when we played [Mamelodi] Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Black Label Cup,” Lekgwathi added.
