Pirates unveil new midfield general Rasebotja

HERMAN GIBBS

Orlando Pirates unveiled new signing Selaelo Rasebotja at their training camp in Spain yesterday morning.

Rasebotja has been part of the squad for the past few days without Pirates making it known. He had his first outing in the famous black and white Buccaneers jersey in a friendly last weekend in the Spanish city of Marbella.

He played for 45 minutes against the mid-table English Championship side Plymouth Argyle. Plymouth are managed by former Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, who said afterwards: “I think Orlando Pirates are a good team, we knew that.”

While at SuperSport, the 23-year-old Rasebotja was nicknamed “Iniesta” because he showed so much creativity in midfield, reminding SuperSport fans of the Spanish legend who played over 400 games for Catalan giants Barcelona.

Rasebotja had known for some time that Pirates had an interest in him and it was a dream come true when he finally put pen to paper. He was immensely proud to make his Pirates debut against the English opposition.

“I was excited when I found out that Pirates was interested in me,” Rasebotja said to Pirates’ media department. “Every footballer’s dream is to play for a big club.

“For an institution like Orlando Pirates to enquire about my services is a big career move, and I looked forward to it with enthusiasm and excitement. I’m excited to join a big club like Orlando Pirates.”

Now that he’s had a run in a Pirates jersey, Rasebotja feels he is ready to make his mark at the famous club.

“It’s getting better day by day,” he said. “From the first day, the guys welcomed me well.

“Over time I’ll get used to them and we’ll gel on the field. It’s a work in progress. We’ll take it one day at a time.”

Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs’ new signing Bongani Sam was not as lucky as he picked up an injury while working out in Türkiye, where the Glamour Boys are in camp, preparing for the season ahead.

The former Pirates defender who spent time on loan at Swallows last season, is yet to be officially unveiled as a Chiefs player. He will return to South Africa for a full assessment and medical attention.

Chiefs did not confirm Sam’s injury but did reveal that another defender, Edmilson Dove, is also returning home injured.

It would appear from Chiefs’ statement announcing Dove’s injury that there are other injured players too. Their statement read in part: “We wish him, and the rest of the injured fellows a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing them back on the training grounds and field of play soon.”

Chiefs are playing friendlies in Türkiye but have decided not to release an itinerary.

Down in the Western Cape, Stellenbosch have officially welcomed Sanele Barns, the Richards Bay midfielder. The 27-year-old’s stellar performances saw him nominated for the 2023/24 DStv Premiership Midfielder of the Season award.

Stellenbosch FC CEO Rob Benadie said Barns could play a vital role as the club prepare for their debut CAF appearance.

Benadie said: “He was one of the standout performers in the league last season, and we are excited to add a player of his calibre and experience to our squad, especially as we embark on our first-ever campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup.

“We look forward to him making a big impact at the club and do not doubt that he will contribute massively towards our continued success.”