Exclusive: Edward Motale Urges Orlando Pirates to Sign Proven Striker Amid Strong Window

Former Orlando Pirates defender Edward Motale believes the club’s recent signings are not intended to overhaul the squad, but rather to strengthen it by addressing the gaps exposed during last season's campaign.

The Buccaneers have been the most active club in the current transfer window, and many believe they’ve already stolen the show with a strong set of early acquisitions.

With nine signings already secured, the club is clearly making a statement of intent following their second-place finish in the Betway Premiership last season behind Mamelodi Sundowns.

Headline Signings

Among the new arrivals are the headline signings of Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis. The former Polokwane City midfielder joins the Soweto giants after being linked with both Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs in recent seasons.

Mbule, on the other hand, makes a high-profile switch from Sundowns as he looks to get his career back on track after a couple of seasons marred by disciplinary issues.

Motale, who famously won both the CAF Champions League with Pirates in 1995 and the Africa Cup of Nations with Bafana Bafana the following year, welcomed the new recruits. 

He feels their presence will add real value to the team and is particularly pleased with Mbule, who he says still has a lot more to offer.

“I truly believe that they will make an impact because, from the clubs they were playing for, they were regulars and doing very well there.” Motale told SportsBoom.co.za. 

“I think Mbule has come to the right club now, and I believe we will see the best of him.”

“His off-field behavior that has been made a lot of, I have not seen myself, but I have heard people talk about it.”

“I do not believe in hearsay, but what I know and have seen from him from Sundowns and especially at SuperSport United—I saw a skillful and wonderful player that can click very well at Pirates.”

Missed Opportunities and the Need for a Striker

Reflecting on last season, Motale said that the lack of goals cost Pirates crucial points. There were far too many avoidable draws and unexpected defeats that derailed their challenge, especially against teams they were expected to beat.

With Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa leading the line, they both struggled for consistent form and goal returns. Ultimately, Pirates ended the season 22 goals behind champions Sundowns—a gulf that underscores the need for more firepower.

“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.”

“Last season they lost points against Sekhukhune and Stellenbosch FC, and it was unnecessary—especially against sides they shouldn’t have dropped points against.”

“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.”

The Impact of New Signings

The Buccaneers have also invested in youth, with several young players promoted into the senior team over the past year.

Former coach Jose Riveiro—who has since left the club—was instrumental in giving development players opportunities, and many of the recent signings are also relatively young, which positions the club well for the future.

With no signs of an aging squad, the Sea Robbers look to have both depth and longevity in their ranks.

“We have seasonal players at Pirates now. Some of our players don’t have age on their side, and in the next three years, when the one group leaves, we will still have a team that knows each other well.”

“I am expecting to see a lot of quality football from Pirates, and my wish is for them to win the league, as it’s only a few players that are coming in.”

“That group of players is only coming to beef up the squad, not to start the team from scratch. Pirates already has a team that can win honors with or without the new arrivals.”

New Man at the Helm

Looking ahead, the team will now be under the guidance of new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who has stepped into what is widely regarded as one of the most high-pressure roles on the African continent.

Despite limited experience at the highest level of coaching, Motale believes the Moroccan is well equipped for the job.

“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.”

“From the 13 matches he managed Marumo Gallants, he won about seven of them. He got to the club when the damage was already done, but he still managed to help them survive relegation.”