Pirates ponder U-turn on highly-rated defender?

Orlando Pirates are understood to have made a U-turn on an option to loan out one of the club’s defenders who is gradually proving to be a key player for head coach Jose Riveiro.

Thabiso Sesane looked destined for another loan spell in January, having not made a single start for the Buccaneers.

Since then, the 23-year-old has stepped up his efforts and worked hard to earn a starting spot within Riveiro’s plans, prompting the club’s hierarchy to reconsider the decision to send him out on another loan spell, according to insiders. 

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Although the appearance only lasted 45 minutes and the Soweto giants eventually suffered a 2-1 defeat, the former DStv Diski Challenge captain had done enough to convince the technical team of more chances.

Sesane did not feature in a 1-1 draw against Moroka Swallows but was trusted with the full 90 minutes as Pirates hammered Lamontville Golden Arrows 7-1.

"Sesane was cramping a little bit, it’s normal. He had not played 90 minutes at this level since a very long time ago. So, we knew that maybe at some point he would have problems," Riveiro said after the Arrows match.

Nevertheless, the Spanish mentor trusted Sesane once more in a Nedbank Cup quarter-final against AmaZulu FC in which Pirates walked away 4-2 winners and sealed a spot in the next round.

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The highly-rated right-footer has previously spent loan spells with Jomo Cosmos and All-Stars in the National First Division.

Still, Sesane faces stiff competition for a place in the heart of a defence that includes experienced campaigners such as Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki, Olisa Ndah and