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Forgotten orlando Pirates star to get his big chance?
Orlando Pirates winger Azola Tshobeni has been around the block a few times but he’s still only 22 years old.
Tshobeni to get his break for Orlando Pirates
Just returned from a loan spell with JDR Stars in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, 22-year-old Azola Tshobeni is ready to seize his moment with Orlando Pirates. That’s according to sources at SoccerLaduma. The talented schemer made his senior debut for Orlando Pirates in 2020 but has spent the last three campaigns out on loan. He’s made three appearances for the Buccaneers this season across all competitions.
Motale reveals concerns over Saleng
Orlando Pirates legend Edward Motale is worried that Monnapule Saleng’s ongoing standoff with Pirates will have a detrimental effect on his mental state.
“I’ve no doubt that Saleng would be key for Bafana Bafana in the CHAN. The only thing I’m not sure of is how this has affected him mentally,” Motale told FARPost. “I just wish someone would deal with that to boost his mental strength. That’s my fear about Saleng.”
Frozen out by Orlando Pirates
Saleng started this campaign well with five goals in 13 outings, including a strike in the MTN8 final, but the second half of 2024-2025 has been a horror show for the player. He hasn’t played a single competitive minute since the turn of the year. Ironically, his last minutes in a Pirates jersey came in a Caf Champions League group stage match against Al Ahly, the club that tried to sign him. It’s been revealed that ‘personal reasons’ are behind his exile in 2025, not issues owing to fitness.
Will Tshobeni make the grade?
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