Orlando Pirates players during the 2024 Carling Knockout Cup football match between Pirates and Magesi FC at Orlando Stadium, Soweto on 18 October 2024
Gavin Barker, Backpages
Orlando Pirates have promoted several youngsters from the junior ranks to the senior squad, with insiders at the club attributing the integration of young talent to Mxolisi Mngomezulu, whom they describe as the crucial link between the senior team and the development ranks.
READ: Latest On Timm Amid Pirates Exit Talk
Sources informed the Siya crew that Mngomezulu’s talent identification skills are comparable to those of the late, great Stanley ‘Screamer’ Tshabalala, and that he is following in Tshabalala’s illustrious footsteps.
“He is one of the unsung heroes not only of Orlando Pirates but of South African football as a whole. He has worked with players like Lebogang Manyama, Joseph Molongoane, and Mpho Makola, to mention just a few. Now, he is the pivotal link between the Pirates’ junior development and the senior team. He has been instrumental in most of the recent promotions at Pirates, collaborating with other coaches to identify juniors ready to step up to the senior team. That is why many consider him the next Screamer because of his exceptional eye for talent,” the source told Soccer Laduma.
READ: Riveiro, Ribeiro Scoop Up PSL Monthly Awards
Another source revealed that the 45-year-old, Alexandra-born coach is also Pirates’ first-team analyst.
“He is well-versed in football. He holds a CAF A Coaching License, which aids him in his role as a senior team analyst. In addition to bridging the development and senior teams, he works full-time with the senior team, analyzing their games as well as the opposition’s. He is indeed a great asset to the club,” the source told Soccer Laduma.
This publication reached out to Orlando Pirates for a comment, but there was no response at the time of publishing.
Get the best in Soccer, News and Lifestyle content with SNL24 PLUS
For 14 free days, you can have access to the best from Soccer Laduma, KickOff, Daily Sun, TrueLove and Drum. Thereafter you will be billed R29 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won’t be billed.
.