Pirates’ Defensive Picture Becoming Clearer Ahead Of January

Ismael Toure in action during his time with Stellenbosch FC

Ismael Toure is understood to be an unlikely option for Orlando Pirates in the upcoming January transfer window, despite renewed whispers linking the Ivorian defender with a return to the PSL.

The towering centre-back had previously been on the Buccaneers’ radar during his stint with Stellenbosch FC, before he secured a move overseas following his departure from the Cape Winelands side in October.

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Now 27 and currently a free agent, Toure is believed to be keen on a return to the Betway Premiership, with talk suggesting that interest from the league’s heavyweights could be revisited.

However, indications are that a move to Pirates is not being prioritised at this stage, even with the club having lost Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who is expected to join MLS outfit Chicago Fire after the Africa Cup of Nations.

Part of the reason is Pirates’ growing defensive options, with both Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane recently returning from long-term injuries.

The pair featured for the first time this season as the Buccaneers defeated the Carling All Stars on Saturday to lift the Carling Cup trophy at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, a timely boost for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou as he assesses his squad depth.

Speaking after the match, Ouaddou suggested that internal solutions may take precedence when it comes to reshaping his defence.

“I have to work with what I have, trust the players, work with them to improve them. We are coaches, unfortunately our job is to improve the players we have to give them the chance,” Ouaddou said.

The Pirates mentor did, however, acknowledge the importance of balance in his defensive setup.

“Of course, I like my game model to have a left-footer on the left side (centre-back) in terms of the balance of the team in that position,” he added.

With Ndah and Sesane back in contention and Pirates focusing on continuity within their current group, it appears increasingly unlikely that Toure will be a primary target for the Soweto giants in January, despite his availability and previous links to the club.

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Lebone Seema has also emerged as a regular in his first season at the club, featuring alongside Ndah and Sesane in Durban, while club captain Nkosinathi Sibisi remains part of the defensive picture despite currently being away with Bafana Bafana for AFCON preparations.

In addition, experienced defender Tapelo Xoki is understood to be making steady progress following the car accident earlier this season, further strengthening Pirates’ centre-back depth heading into the new year. 

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