Orlando Pirates have made close to 10 signings this season, but two new arrivals have already stood out from the rest, Gamphani Lungu and Thapelo Mokobodi.
The pair have made an immediate impact since joining the Buccaneers and have quickly established themselves as important players under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Lungu, who arrived from Siwelele, has already found the back of the net on several occasions. His goals have not only been about quantity, but also timing.
The forward scored a dramatic late winner against Durban City in the MTN8 quarter-finals, helping Pirates progress to the next round.
He has continued to deliver in the competition, scoring again in Pirates’ 3-0 victory over Sekhukhune United on Saturday as the Buccaneers booked their place in a record fifth consecutive MTN8 final.
Mokobodi enjoying life at Orlando Pirates
Mokobodi, meanwhile, has arguably been even more impressive in the middle of the park. The midfielder has looked comfortable from the moment he stepped onto the field and has quickly developed an understanding with his teammates.
Against Sekhukhune, Mokobodi opened the scoring before Lungu added the second, once again showing the influence the two new signings are already having.
What makes Mokobodi’s performances particularly impressive is how settled he looks at Pirates. He plays with the confidence of someone who has been at the club for much longer than he actually has, while his ability to control the midfield has given Ouaddou another important option.
The coach has also managed to navigate injuries in midfield, with Thalente Mbatha and Sihle Ndluli among those unavailable, without Pirates appearing overly affected.
That is a positive sign for the Buccaneers, especially considering the number of new players still waiting for their opportunity.
Neo Rapoo and Bohlale Ngwato are yet to receive a proper run in the team and will be hoping to get their chance as the season progresses. There are also several other new arrivals who still have plenty to prove.
For now, however, Lungu and Mokobodi are comfortably leading the way at Pirates.
The two have already helped Pirates reach another cup final and, if their early performances are anything to go by, they could become two of the most important additions to Ouaddou’s squad this season.
The real test will be whether the rest of Pirates’ new signings can eventually make the same kind of impact.
