Former Orlando Pirates defender Edward Motale has praised the club’s transfer strategy this window, insisting recent arrivals will fortify the squad rather than prompt a wholesale overhaul.
Speaking to SportsBoom, Motale singled out new midfielders Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis as “smart additions” and reiterated his belief in the quality of the coaching appointment.
“I truly believe that they [Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis] will make an impact because, from the clubs they were playing for, they were regulars and doing very well there. I think Mbule has come to the right club now, and I believe we will see the best of him.”
Mbule arrives from Mamelodi Sundowns, where his career stalled amid off‑field issues, yet his technical pedigree was clear at SuperSport United. Appollis, meanwhile, earned plaudits as a midfield regular at his previous side. Both join a Pirates squad that finished second in last season’s Betway Premiership and now seeks to convert promise into a title challenge.
Reflecting on last season’s shortcomings, Motale highlighted the lack of a consistent goalscorer as the key factor that cost Pirates valuable points.
“We didn’t have the right striker last season. We had Mabasa, but he was on and off form due to lack of game time, and then we tried midfielders to try and beef up upfront, and it also didn’t work.”
Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa led the line but could not deliver the firepower required; Pirates ended the campaign 22 goals behind champions Sundowns. Motale argues that relying on midfielders for goals merely papered over the cracks.
He urges the club to cast its net wider for a true number‑nine.
“If they can beef up upfront with the right striker, they will be good to go. The only issue now is that there are no quality strikers in the country, and perhaps the club needs to look elsewhere for a striker. We need a finisher that can score goals week in and week out.”
With local options thin on the ground, Pirates may need to explore overseas markets to secure a proven finisher capable of consistent returns.
Motale also welcomed the appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou, whose playing résumé and brief coaching spell at Marumo Gallants impressed him.
“I think we have a good coach because he played at the highest level and also for his country, so he knows what it takes, and it doesn’t matter where you played football—the same rules apply.”
Ouaddou steered Gallants to safety with seven wins from 13 matches, demonstrating an ability to adapt quickly under pressure. Motale believes that experience will prove invaluable as Pirates navigate a high‑pressure environment and aim to turn squad depth into silverware.
Overall, Motale sees a clear blueprint: consolidate with astute signings, address the striker gap, and harness a coach versed in elite‑level demands. If those pieces fall into place, Pirates may be poised to convert intent into honours.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
