Orlando Pirates players Evidence Makgopa, Deano Van Rooyen, Deon Hotto, Sipho Chaine and Tapelo Xoki do the crossbone salute at the Loftus Versfeld before facing Mamelodi Sundowns. Image: @safootclassics/X
The comments section is usually a strong indication of how Orlando Pirates fans feel about their players.
The future of Tshegofatso Mabasa is a hot topic, but he’s not the only high-profile player who could leave.
Van Rooyen has ‘no Orlando Pirates future’ according to a fan
Right-back Deaon Van Rooyen is now firmly installed as second-choice in the right-back position behind Thabiso Lebitso. Van Rooyen struggled with injuries early in the campaign, but has been an unused substitute in the club’s last three matches. He started against Richards Bay in the Carling Knockout semis, but is overlooked for any big games in the league. He returned to being an unused sub in the Carling Knockout final win.
Mabasa is also expected to leave Pirates
Tshegofatso Mabasa is at a crossroads. Once the most lethal marksman in the country, he’s now playing second fiddle to Evidence Makgopa. Even Yanela Mbuthuma is above him in the reckoning. This fall down the pecking order also saw his chances of a Bafana Bafana recall go up in flames at an inopportune time. Mabasa’s only made five league appearances all season. Some fans seem happy to say goodbye, while others are concerned that Mabasa’s undoubted class will see him succeed at a club like Kaizer Chiefs.