In the new season, the Pirates could live without five players.

After Bandile Shandu, Thabiso Monyane, and left-footed Paseka Mako, Craig Martin Martin was the Pirates’ fourth right-back option. Martin does not appear to be on coach Riveiro’s agenda, despite the fact that his contract only runs out in June 2025. Since joining from Cape Town City in January, the 29-year-old fullback has been linked to a return to the Citizens. During the 2022/23 season, Martin played only 121 league minutes for the Sea Robbers.

Ben Motshwari Before the start of the season, the Pirates wanted to send the 32-year-old midfielder on loan to Richards Bay, but the player insisted he wanted to fight for his position, Sowetan learned at the time. It would appear that Motshwari failed to compete for a roster spot based on the number of games he appeared in during the season that is about to come to an end. Miguel Timm and Thabang Monare were favored central midfielders, so he only started three of the 11 league games he played in.

When the Ndumiso Mabena Pirates brought Mabena back after he left Royal AM in January, they surprised many. The 36-year-old striker appeared in the final 15 minutes of an April match against Mamelodi Sundowns. Mabena’s contract ends in June, but he doesn’t appear to be in the coach’s plans. Terrence Dzvukamanja and Kermit Erasmus are the favorites, and Evidence Makgopa and Souaibou Marou, both fringe players in their own right, are ahead of him.

Bienvenu Eva Nga

Like Mabena, Eva Nga, 30, is way down in the striker hierarchy at Privateers. This season, Eva Nga played 15 games across all competitions and scored one goal. Chippa United is said to be interested in signing the hefty striker, who was sold to Pirates at the beginning of the current season.