Johannesburg - While Kaizer Chiefs have grabbed much attention for their offseason signings, arch-rivals Orlando Pirates have quietly added three new names to their books for next season.
Pirates have acquired the services of Felipe Ovono of Equatorial Guinea, Zimbabwean forward Tendai Ndoro and Bafana midfielder Gift Motupa.
Motupa was pleased to be joining the Buccaneers on a five-year contract.
“I am happy for the opportunity to play for Pirates and I hope I can grab it with both hands and excel,” said Motupa.
“I am aware that not every player that gets this opportunity so I plan on making the best of it. I am a central midfielder and for me it’s important that I measure myself against the best and playing for a Club like Pirates gives me that opportunity.”
Ovono, meanwhile, said he had signed with Pirates last season but work permit issues prevented him from turning out for the club.
“I signed for Orlando Pirates during the previous season but I had to go back to my country, Equatorial Guinea in order to apply for a work permit,” said Ovono.
“I am excited to be finally with my team, it has been difficult following them from the side-lines but I am just honoured to be finally here. Pirates is a big team and people back home and across the African continent know and respect this Club which is why I am grateful for the opportunity to play for them.”
Ndoro was excited to provide firepower in the Pirates frontline, and said the competition for spots would bode well for the team.
“I know I have my work cut out for me because Pirates has one of the best striking departments currently in the PSL,” said Ndoro.
“All the strikers are in form and are scoring goals regularly which is a good thing because it shows we have a strong striking department and knowing that I am surrounded by good and talented players is a huge motivation for me. I can only hope that I am able to contribute positively by scoring goals next season.”
ANA