Richard Ofori scores ‘dream’ move to Orlando Pirates

Ghanaian international goalkeeper has joined Orlando Pirates from Maritzburg United, the Soweto giants confirmed on Tuesday.

The player was a notable absentee for the Team of Choice during their season-opener against his new club’s fiercest rivals Kaizer Chiefs, prompting speculation about his whereabouts.

Richard Ofori becomes a Buccaneer

One of the worst-kept secrets of the ongoing transfer window has eventually been made public. 

The 26-year-old – who has earned 15 caps for his country – joins Pirates on a three-year deal. This is after the club had been heavily linked with him for the best part of the past two seasons.

He told the club’s official website that he was happy to put pen to paper. 

“It is a dream for me to be a part of this exciting squad and to work with the technical team,” Ofori said. “I also look forward to meeting my new teammates and being part of this exciting new project.” 

Richard Ofori, Orlando Pirates

Healthy goalkeeper stocks at Orlando Pirates 

Ofori joins Pirates just days after the departure of another goalkeeper in former France youth international Joris Delle, who ended his stay at the club after just one season.

With the 26-year-old’s arrival, the first-team has four goalkeepers again, with Wayne Sandilands and Siyabonga Mpontshane the two other options, along with academy graduate Kopano Thuntsane.

Ofori has been with Maritzburg United since 2017, after he joined from Ghanaian outfit Legon Cities.

He has made a total of 85 appearances in the South African Premiership.

Meanwhile, Pirates also revealed that defender Tebogo Tlolane is due for another loan stint at the Team of Choice, after spending the best part of the past season in KwaZulu-Natal.

The 25-year-old has made just two appearances in Orlando Pirates colours, the last coming in the MTN 8 quarterfinal win against Cape Town City this past Saturday.