Pirates sign new players

 Orlando Pirates Football Club is proud to announce the signings of Onyekachi Okonkwo, Patrick Phungwayo, Khethokwakhe Masuku, Ayanda Gcaba, Aubrey Ngoma and Manti Moholo for the 2012/13 season.

All on three year deals.

The players were all unveiled by club chairman Dr Irvin Khoza in front of the media during a press conference held in Houghton this morning.

“I am pleased to welcome these gentlemen to the club. I am confident that they will make a positive contribution to the current squad we have,” said the chairman.

“The club will be embarking on yet another difficult campaign and therefore it is important to reinforce the squad to ensure that we are competitive in every match and every competition we play.”

Patrick Phungwayo

A regular at BIDVest Wits, the left back is regarded as one of the best in his position in the PSL. Phungwayo who is known for his foraging runs up and down the left flank played over 25 matches for The Students last season.

At only 24-years old Phungwayo is regarded as a future Bafana Bafana international.

Khethokwakhe Masuku

Joins the club having spent the past two seasons at Black Leopards.

The winger has been a key player for Lidoda Duvha and put his name in lights during Leopards’ impressive return to the top flight via the Promotion Play Offs two seasons ago. Masuku made his debut for Leopards against Sundowns back in May 2010, this skilful winger has all the potential to become one of the most enterprising wingers in the league.

Ayanda Gcaba

The 26-year old joins the Mighty Buccaneers on the back of a very successful season with Free State Stars. Although he is no stranger to the PSL having made his debut in 2008, the 2011/12 season is when Gcaba came into his own and this was further illustrated by a call up to the senior national team.

Capable of playing at left-back or centre-back, Ayanda Gcaba possesses a great left foot as well as pace that could give even Tlou ‘Grautrain’ Segolela a fright.

Aubrey Ngoma

Midfielder Ngoma was instrumental in helping Pretoria University gain promotion to the elite Premier Soccer League last season. The 22-year old

Manti Moholo

The creative midfielder joins from Free State Stars. The Soweto-born player has had limited game time with Stars this season, a change of environment will go a long way in assisting him to find the form which made him one of the most exciting players to watch in the 2010/11 season while playing for El Lla Koto.

With the exception of Okonkwo who needs to fly back to New York to be with his partner who just gave birth to his child, the five players will be expected to join their new teammates on Tuesday morning.

Regards,

Orlando Pirates Football Club Media department