Tinkler hails Zambian ace

ERIC Tinkler's face lit up yesterday when he described how dangerous new Orlando Pirates signing Mwape Musonda is.

ERIC Tinkler's face lit up yesterday when he described how dangerous new Orlando Pirates signing Mwape Musonda is.

The Zambian striker has been roped in from Harold Legodi's academy, Africa Sport. Musonda has played for Zanaco in Zambia and has CAF Champions League experience.

"We identified Musonda in a few friendlies. He is a player we felt we needed to bring in so that he can grow as a player and gain experience. Now he is going to rub shoulders with the likes of Kermit Erasmus, [Lehlohonolo] Majoro, Lennox [Bacela]. It will build him into a better and stronger player.

"He is very quick, strong and loves to score. He can shoot with both feet and from any angle. And when I say 'shoot', I mean rockets. Some of the goals he scores are phenomenal."

Legodi explained how Musonda got to his academy. "His brother brought him to South Africa. He asked to train with the academy and he was with us for a year. Screamer Tshabalala saw him in some friendly matches and liked him. I think he has gone to the right team. He is 24."

Pirates were busy towards the end of the transfer window last week, signing goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane and defenders Tshepo Gumede and Mpho Mvelase.

"It was vital for us to bolster the defence. Getting Mpontshane is very good. We want to have a strong goalkeeping department."

Pirates' left-back Patrick Phungwayo, meanwhile, is back in training after a knee injury.