Ramatsiyi Moholoa
Ramatsiyi Moholoa
Orlando Pirates' buying spree continued yesterday when they unveiled two exciting players, Lebogang Mothibantwa and Thembile Kanono.
The two were welcomed into the Bucs fold by Floyd "Jomo" Mbele, the club's administrative executive, at their offices in Johannesburg.
Also joining Bucs is Reason Chiloane from GaRankuwa United, but he could not be at the unveiling ceremony as he was touring Lesotho with Amabinneplaas this week.
Mothibantwa's deal was only finalised in the early hours of yesterday, while Kanono had his completed at the weekend.
Mbele said: "The market had grown for Lebohang and we had to make sure that we packaged something that would encourage him to join us.
"As for Thembile, we had agreed in principle with his agent sometime ago but the deal was only signed and sealed at the weekend.
"The two players come to Orlando Pirates as part of our plans to reinforce the team with quality players. We want to make sure that we are competitive next season.
"We are also excited that Reason is also on board."
Mothibantwa described his move to Pirates as a memorable birthday gift after he turned 24 on Monday when fresh negotiations began.
The self-confessed Pirates fan joined Bucs from Bloemfontein Celtic.
"I want to thank my entire family for their support, we all support Pirates at home," he said.
Kanono, who grew up supporting Chiefs, said: "It's a dream come true. Pirates are a big team and it's an honour to be part of the team they are building."
The former Santos and Celtic player turned 28 on June 12.
Dutch soccer legend Rudolf Krol, the new Pirates coach, arrived in the country at the weekend and will be at training today. Also expected to attend the first pre-season training is club chairman Irvin Khoza who will introduce Krol to the players.
Khoza, who returns from Euro 2008 this morning, is expected to use the opportunity to inform the players about the club's plans for the new season.
Some of the other new recruits at Pirates include the Bafana Bafana pair of Benson Mhlongo and Moeneeb Josephs.
The new-look Pirates will be seen in action at the Phakisa Cup in Sasolburg on Saturday, which will also feature Free State Stars, Kaizer Chiefs and Bloemfontein Celtic.
new Pirates
Ramatsiyi Moholoa
Ramatsiyi Moholoa
Orlando Pirates' buying spree continued yesterday when they unveiled two exciting players, Lebogang Mothibantwa and Thembile Kanono.
The two were welcomed into the Bucs fold by Floyd "Jomo" Mbele, the club's administrative executive, at their offices in Johannesburg.
Also joining Bucs is Reason Chiloane from GaRankuwa United, but he could not be at the unveiling ceremony as he was touring Lesotho with Amabinneplaas this week.
Mothibantwa's deal was only finalised in the early hours of yesterday, while Kanono had his completed at the weekend.
Mbele said: "The market had grown for Lebohang and we had to make sure that we packaged something that would encourage him to join us.
"As for Thembile, we had agreed in principle with his agent sometime ago but the deal was only signed and sealed at the weekend.
"The two players come to Orlando Pirates as part of our plans to reinforce the team with quality players. We want to make sure that we are competitive next season.
"We are also excited that Reason is also on board."
Mothibantwa described his move to Pirates as a memorable birthday gift after he turned 24 on Monday when fresh negotiations began.
The self-confessed Pirates fan joined Bucs from Bloemfontein Celtic.
"I want to thank my entire family for their support, we all support Pirates at home," he said.
Kanono, who grew up supporting Chiefs, said: "It's a dream come true. Pirates are a big team and it's an honour to be part of the team they are building."
The former Santos and Celtic player turned 28 on June 12.
Dutch soccer legend Rudolf Krol, the new Pirates coach, arrived in the country at the weekend and will be at training today. Also expected to attend the first pre-season training is club chairman Irvin Khoza who will introduce Krol to the players.
Khoza, who returns from Euro 2008 this morning, is expected to use the opportunity to inform the players about the club's plans for the new season.
Some of the other new recruits at Pirates include the Bafana Bafana pair of Benson Mhlongo and Moeneeb Josephs.
The new-look Pirates will be seen in action at the Phakisa Cup in Sasolburg on Saturday, which will also feature Free State Stars, Kaizer Chiefs and Bloemfontein Celtic.
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