Makhanya to give all players an opportunity

Orlando Pirates new DStv Diski Challenge coach Joseph Makhanya has indicated that fringe players will be given opportunities to showcase their talent this season.

Pirates had a couple of players who got limited game time last season when they finished third on the log. With the departure of last season’s top goal scorer Boitumelo Radiopane, goalkeeper Kopano Thuntsane and Thabiso Monyane who played a crucial role, Makhanya is hoping that the incoming team members will replace them with success.

Makhanya told the club website: “We have a team that’s currently under transition after more players went up to senior teams, and we also have players who didn’t get much game time last season.”

“So we are trying to integrate them into the team and make sure that by the end of the season, they will have gotten a fair chance.

“We’ve seen this in the first team, where they have a nice rotation going on, and we’re trying to do something similar to ensure that everybody gets an opportunity to play.”

With the club having released some players who were part of the team last season, they have also made signings that include Gomolemo Khoto, Relebohile Ratomo, Mehluleli Maphumulo and Lucky Bule.

The Pirates Reserves will test themselves against league champions Stellenbosch FC at noon on Saturday at Rand Stadium.

Pirates are heading to this match oozing confidence after beating rivals Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 last weekend in KwaZulu-Natal.

Stellenbosch, on the other hand, are licking their wounds as they lost 3-2 to Cape Town City.

Sekhukhune United, who started the season on a positive note, visit Royal AM at Mpumalanga Stadium.

The Diski Challenge matches are played at different venues this weekend and will not be televised.