Orlando Pirates urged to sign SA’s deadliest marksman

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder William Mokoena feels the Buccaneers need a “reliable striker” and has urged the Soweto giants to make a move for SuperSport United’s Bradley Grobler.

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Orlando Pirates have already made a number of additions in the off-season with Goodman Mosele, Monnapule Saleng, Bandile Shandu and Kwanda Mngonyama all putting pen to paper on long-term contracts.

However, one position the club still needs to bolster is in attack.

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Despite finishing a respectable third in last season’s DStv Premiership, Orlando Pirates only found the back of the net on 33 occasions in their 30 matches – which was in fact one goal fewer than rivals Kaizer Chiefs who struggled all season!

Baroka FC’s Evidence Makgopa has emerged as a potential target for the Buccaneers.

But, “Naughty” as the now 46-year-old Mokoena was known during his playing days for his frequent misbehaviour, scandals and controversies, believes Grobler ticks all the required boxes and would be a perfect addition to the club.

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He added that Makgopa, while a promising prospect, was “still young” and “still learning”.

“They need to strengthen the striking department. They have been busy buying defenders which is good,” Mokoena told the Goal website.

“However, when you look at how Orlando Pirates plays under the coach [Josef Zinnbauer], they are very good going forward.

“They have the speed and everything needed to unsettle any defence.

“But they don’t have someone who can finish the chances they create. So, they need a reliable striker, who can finish the opportunities they tend to create through their attacking midfielders.”

Mokoena continued: “I would prefer Grobler over Makgopa because of his experience and finishing ability in the final third. Makgopa is still young and he is still learning.

“On the other hand, Grobler has been a Bafana Bafana international for many years. So, for him to gel quickly at Pirates, it will be easy.”

Grobler had a hugely successful season in 2020/21, scoring 16 goals in 26 appearances in the DStv Premiership for Matsatsantsa to win the DStv Premiership’s Golden Boot award.