Ranking Sipho Mbule, Oswin Appollis, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Sihle Nduli & other new Orlando Pirates signings as MTN8 final looms against Stellenbosch

Position: Left back

Age: 23

Nkosikhona Ndaba was handed a few minutes as a substitute against Orbit College when he came on the place of the industrious Deon Hotto. With 11 years between the two, Ndaba is seen as the Namibian's successor following the departure of Paseka Mako. Ndaba was a key player at the Natal Rich Boyz, and it is only a matter of time before he is given more responsibility by Ouaddou. 

Position: Midfielder

Age: 23

Another young prospect bought from Baroka FC, Mashiloane came in with a lot of promise, but has been a flop in the games that he was given a chance. He needs to up his game at training if he is to impress Ouaddou, as at this point, he is too low in the pecking order. He was allowed to prove himself, but did not live up to his billing.   

Position: Striker

Age: 23

The young striker was signed from Richards Bay, but he is yet to make an impression at Pirates. In fact, coach Ouaddou has not given the promising forward a proper chance, as the likes of Evidence Makgopa and Boitumelo Radiopane are the preferred players by the coach. He got a chance but did not live up to expectations.  

Position: Forward

Age: 24

Had a stiff with fans in the first few games that he played for Pirates, but it seems as though the Happy People are off his back after some impressive displays. He has already opened his scoring account for the Buccaneers and Ouaddou can only hope that he improves from here.  

Position: Attacking midfielder

Age: 25

The former Chippa United and Pretoria Callies star player was given less than a combined total of 30 minutes across two games. When he came on against Marumo Gallants and Sundowns, he looked out of place. There is no doubting his quality and in time, he will find his feet with sufficient opportunities.    

Position: Central Midfielder

Age: 22

The Mali international has not shot out the lights, but he is not a bad player by any means. Mariko is new in the PSL and will need some time to adjust to the pace of South African football. He scored against Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams in the MTN8 semifinal penalty shootout, and that may go far in boosting his confidence.   

Position: Left winger

Age: 24 

The Buccaneers caught everyone by surprise when they announced Oswin Appollis, who was mostly linked to Pirates rivals Kaizer Chiefs. Appollis announced himself with a goal on debut when playing against his former club Polokwane City. He is a national team player, which makes him even more important for the Buccaneers.  

Position: Central Midfielder

Age: 29

Sihle Nduli is clearly one of the players who are adored by Ouaddou. The former Stellenbosch anchorman landed at Pirates and fit in perfectly. He clearly forms a large part of the team's engine room. Nduli has been part of the players who have been the mainstay in the team this season, and it appears as though he is the paper on which Ouaddou writes his name team on. 

Position: Central Defender

Age: 24

The former TS Galaxy defender has been a revelation for Ouaddou in the early stages of the season, as he was parachuted in when the club had a crisis in the rear guard. Nkosinathi Sibisi and Thapelo Xoki, regulars at Pirates, are out injured and the youngster came in to partner with the gallant and robust Mbekezeli Mbokazi. He also scored a screamer in

Has been a relation in the absence of Sibios and scored a screamer in the league against Orbit College.  

Position: Attacking midfielder

Age: 27

'Master Chef', as Sipho Mbule is known, has had his fair share of off-the-field trouble, but now at Pirates, the former Mamelodi Sundowns star looks like a reincarnation of his former self, as he has earned himself a place in Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana side. With him in the spotlight, he is set to give Patrick Maswanganyi a run for his money at club and international level.  

Position: Right winger

Age: 23

Who would have imagined that a player like Kamogelo Sebelebele would fit in like and hand in glove at Pirates? The former TS Galaxy youngster has been the livewire in the Buccaneers' team as he has already scored three goals for the club, and is perfectly filling the void left behind by Mohau Nkota.