Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela will leave someone smiling tonight. The subject is the club’s fitness and conditioning coach Helmy Gueldich.
MAELA SALUTES ORLANDO PIRATES TRAINER
The Tunisian Helmy Gueldich arrived at Orlando Pirates before the start of last season. He was brought in after winning back to back double titles with Young Africans in Tanzania.
After helping the Buccaneers to the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup titles last season, captain Maela says Gueldich deserves great credit.
“Unfortunately if I tell you what he does with us each and every day we will be here the whole night,” Maela said via iDiski Times.
“He is very important to us, very qualified, humble guy, smart guy. He has drilled us very hard, really strong and it shows in our matches, every time we go one goal down we are able to come back and find an extra gear and go all the way to win.
“I need to also give credit to Mr Micheal who left because of family issues, he started the season with us, he was there preseason alongside Helmy. He also needs to get his credit.
“But Helmy is very important hopefully he can stay with us for a very long time. He is a highly qualified guy,” the Orlando Pirates skipper concluded.
BANDILE SHANDU TO STAY AT ORLANDO PIRATES – MIKE MAKAAB
Not every Orlando Pirates player that struggled last season is going to leave. According to Bandile Shandu‘s agent Mike Makaab, the defender is staying put.
Last season was not a successful term for the 29-year-old Shandu from Pietermaritzburg. Due to a long-term injury, the right-back only managed 16 appearances. The same situation sparked rumours of his departure from Orlando Pirates.
According to his agent Makaab, the reports are simply false. “I don’t know where the rumors come from because [Bandile] Shandu’s contract with Pirates expires in June 2026,” Makaab told iDiski Times‘ Sinethemba Makonco.
“He is happy at the club and the club is happy with him. He has been struggling with an injury. He is in the middle of his rehabilitation program,’ Makaab added on the Orlando Pirates star.
BUCCANEERS SIGN THALENTE MBATHA FROM SUPERSPORT UNITED
Orlando Pirates’ squad for the upcoming 2024/25 season is taking shape. According to Unplayable, the Sea Robbers have officially signed Thalente Mbatha from SuperSport United.
The 24-year-old from KwaMashu, Durban joined Orlando Pirates on a six-month loan deal in January from SuperSport. After excelling in 16 appearances ahead of players like Thabang Monare and Ndabayithethwa Ndlodlo in midfield, the Sea Robbers have decided to make Mbatha’s deal permanent.
“Thalente Mbatha now belongs to Orlando Pirates on a permanent basis. Deal finalised with SuperSport United,” Unplayable reported.