Orlando Pirates have snapped up a new technical team member and weakened one of their direct rivals.
Orlando Pirates shuffle their technical team pack
Performance analyst Devon O’Brien will join Orlando Pirates from Stellenbosch imminently after just over a year with the impressive and improving Winelands outfit. Stellenbosch finished the last campaign in third place in the league, a single point behind Pirates. They also claimed their first-ever piece of silverware, winning the Carling Knockout. O’Brien was instrumental in this. O’Brien will link up with the Buccaneers before they tour Europe. They face Sevilla, Plymouth Argyle and Al Sadd between 8 and 20 July.
“Dear Stellenbosch FC Family, as I embark on a new chapter in my career, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible experience I’ve had with Stellenbosch FC. It has been an honour and a privilege to be part of such a dedicated and passionate team,” he wrote on his social media accounts.
The Sea Robbers still need a new assistant coach
Sergio Almenara and Miguel Bellver left the club for personal reasons. Assistant coach Almenara confirmed his departure after the Nedbank Cup win over Sundowns. The Buccaneers did hint at wholesale changes after the completion of the 2023-2024 season and now we’re seeing that come to fruition.
“The Club – with the consultation of the head coach – will look to use this offseason break to find a suitable replacement/s as well as bolster the backroom staff in the technical, analysis, medical and conditioning departments,” they stated via iDiskiTimes.
Big decision to be made on Mabasa?
Last season’s Golden Boot winner bagged 16 goals in the league. It would initially appear crazy to sell a player of his calibre, but if a massive offer from a wealthy suitor comes in, the Buccaneers board may think it’s the right time to sell the 27-year-old. His current deal expires in June but, according to transfermarkt, there’s a two-year extension option included. The popular website believes Mabasa’s value to be around €1.3 million, approximately R25 million. With rumoured interest from across Europe, the club won’t struggle to fetch a fee in this region for the red-hot marksman. If they play their cards right, they can extract considerably more money from the sale.
What are your thoughts on Devon O’Brien’s calibre as a performance analyst? Let us know in the comments below.