Orlando Pirates Star Leaves Soweto Giants, Returns to Former Club
- Orlando Pirates have let go one of their star players just six months after joining the Premier Soccer League giants
- The Soweto-based side signed the player in the summer from his former club for a reported transfer fee of R10 million
- The Sea Robbers fans shared their thoughts on their team's decision to let the player return to his former club on social media
Orlando Pirates star Gilberto has left the Soweto giants and returned to his former club, Petro de Luanda, after just six months in the Premier Soccer League.
The Angolan winger joined the Buccaneers last summer for a reported fee of R10 million, and his signing was seen as a perfect fit for the Sea Robbers, but the last six months have not been good for the 23-year-old.
The main reason Gilberto could not break into Jose Riveiro's starting lineup and his plans was the consistent performance from Relebohile Mofokeng and the emergence of Mohau Nkota from the reserve team.
Source: Twitter
Gilberto leaves Pirates for a return to Petro de Luanda
Orlando Pirates have sent Gilberto back to Petro de Luanda on loan for the rest of the season, despite signing a three-year deal with the Bucs last summer.
The Soweto giants released an official statement on their website to confirm their agreement with Petro de Luanda regarding Gilberto's loan move this January.
"Orlando Pirates has reached an agreement for the loan transfer of Angolan international Gilberto to Petro de Luanda for the remainder of the season," the club stated.
"The move sees Gilberto return to his hometown club, pending the successful completion of a medical."
Reactions as Pirates send Gilberto back on loan to former club
iamziyar said:
"Pirates is such a professional outfit. First you release then you acquire new players not this thing of giving away people's jersey numbers while they are still there, it's embarrassing and hurtful to the players I hope that money stokvel is taking notes. Pirates is top class❓"
makwande_m wrote:
"He was coming alright, though. The CAF Champions League match against Al Ahly proved that his experience is vital for us. Especially in Africa! 😞"
flyngmisu commented:
"You came to Pirates and served us well, no noise on social media. You will will forever be part of Pirates wall of champions 🥇 🏆. Most of all you change our course through CAF with that goal."
Bulelani Mpengesi reacted:
"Whoever took this decision is high on some cheap ntash, just when this boy was settling in he's loaned out we have CAF games, league and cup games..."
Pole1803 shared:
"Leave this thing of signing foreign players, especially forward players. Leave it to Downs with fat pocket. There are so many foreign players you brought to the club, and it did not work out. Leave it."
BanaMalome responded:
"It is important that you announce incoming players manene!! We are very thin, especially with the league marathon, Nedbank Cup and Champions League looming. We remain humble and take it one game at a time🙏."
Wydad prepares big-money offer for Mofokeng
Briefly News also reported that Wydad Athletic are reportedly interested in signing Relebohile Mofokeng from Orlando Pirates.
Rulani Mokwena has been a longterm admirer of the Bafana Bafana star, and the Red Castle is said to have submitted a lucrative offer for the forward.
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Source: Briefly News
