Will Orlando Pirates attempt to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns’ supremacy by acquiring Spanish players? Talking on the transfer business of Soweto titans, Orlando Pirates an attempt to rule local football, the Buccaneers strategist has ruled out adding players from his home nation. Mamelodi Sundowns, the Premier Soccer League opponents of Orlando Pirates, sign players abroad, but Jose Roveiro hasn’t promised that his team will follow suit.
The nine players that Pirates signed in the 2023–24 season, including Thabiso Lebitso, Melusi Buthelezi, Siphelo Baloni, Patrick Maswanganyi, Katlego Otladisa, Sphamandla Gumede, Lesedi Kapinga, Karim Kimvuidi, and Thalente Mbatha, were all from local clubs.
“It’s a much smaller club than I am. In that regard, my team, the Orlando Pirates, does not require my services. It’s not Riveiro’s project; I am managing a club’s,” Riveiro informed reporters. “I’m only a single component of that endeavor. Around me, there’s a lot more. Around me, there’s a lot more. My purpose here is not to bring Spanish players; rather, I have a more essential task to complete.
“The project is substantially larger. Saying, ‘I think you need this person from Spain, he’s a good boy and a left-footer,’ is not an improvised approach,” he continued. “No! That is not what we are about. The club is aware of its destination. That includes me. The club isn’t waiting on me to offer to help them with something they need.
Riveiro is not planning on recruiting his countrymen to play for Pirates, but Mamelodi Sundowns, the Buccaneers’ Premier Soccer League opponents, have been active in the transfer market. The practice of bringing South Americans to Chloorkop has been carried on by the Brazilians.