Orlando Pirates did not grab the headlines with one particular signing of Thalente Mbatha but the imminent investment in the 23-year-old has been long overdue.
The Buccaneers made three additions to their squad in the January transfer window, as Mbatha was signed, on loan from SuperSport United, alongside Thabiso Lebitso from Chippa United and the returning Tshegofatso Mabasa from Moroka Swallows.
While Lebitso has a decent profile and experience in the PSL, not much is known about Mbatha, who has not been a regular at SuperSport.
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The 23-year-old made only five appearances for Matsatsantsa in the first round of the season and could only feature 13 times for United in the previous campaign, in all competitions.
However, Pirates had to make a priority signing in central defence, particularly of a young midfielder, as they currently have an ageing midfield, carrying 32-year-old Miguel Timm, Thabang Monare who is 34, Deon Hotto 33 and 34-year-old Makhehlene Makhaula.
It was clear from last season that the Buccaneers needed to reduce the average age in their midfield and the signing of Mbatha represents the planning for the near future, where they badly needed fresh blood.
Monare and Makhaula's contracts are expiring in June and although the Soweto giants have a one-year option on the Bafana Bafana midfielder, it would not be a surprise if they don't retain both of them for the 2024/25 season.
The Sea Robbers will also have an option of recalling midfielder Goodman Mosele on loan from Chippa United at the end of the season, as he has proven himself to be one of the outstanding midfielders in the league.
Mosele is one of the players with the most Man of the Match awards after he was voted the best player against Kaizer Chiefs, his parent club Pirates and AmaZulu after a blistering start at the Chilli Boys.
At 24 years of age, the Bafana Bafana midfielder also represents the future star for the Buccaneers, who have to rebuild their midfield all over again.
Pirates have an option to purchase Mbatha outright at the end of the season.
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