Revealed | Why DDC star is yet to make Orlando Pirates debut

Orlando Pirates are already planning for the next season, with both incomings and outgoings in focus.

Pirates made a number of signings during the off-season, as well as the January transfer window. 

They signed  Melusi Buthelezi from TS Galaxy, Siphelo Baloni from All Stars FC and Katlego Otladisa from Marumo Gallants. They were joined by Karim Kimvuidi, Lesedi Kapinga and Patrick Maswanganyi. Then in January, Pirates added the duo of Thabiso Lebitso and Thalenthe Mbatha. In January, stalwart Thembinkosi Lorch and Bienvenu Eva Nga both left the club for Mamelodi Sundowns and Chippa United respectfully. 

Those players are expected to be followed out of the exit door by a few more, in the coming window. The likes of Zakhele Lepasa, Souaibou Marou, Sandile Mthethwa, among those touted for an exit. Another name that could enter that list soon is goalkeeper Richard Ofori. The Ghanaian international has been at least third choice for the past two seasons at Pirates. 

Matrose tipped to leave on loan

Another player who was even expected to leave on loan at the start of this season is Azola Matrose. The young midfielder enjoyed a fruitful loan at Chippa last season, with others expecting him to go on another loan spell. But to the surprise of many, he stayed at Pirates with the promise of fighting for his place. 

A serious injury has since ruled Matrose out for the bulk of the season. Having returned, he has since played mainly for the DDC side. A source has since explained why he is yet to make the breakthrough to the Pirates senior side. 

Why he hasn’t broken through at Pirares

“For next season the club is looking at losing Azola (Matrose). He is still young and they want him to have game time. There are many players in his position at the club at the moment and it’s very hard for him to breakthrough hence they want him to gain experience somewhere and come back a better player. That’s also the other reason why he has spent most of this season playing for the DDC side under Joseph Makhanya and he has been doing very well but they want him to be playing regularly for a team in the DStv Premiership next season and that’s why they are set to loan him out,”. Said the source to Soccer-Laduma. 

Pirates and Chippa United could be set for yet another window of player movements, with Matrose just one possible deal.