Who is Orlando Pirates' best signing? Bucs legend tips new midfield star to do well - 'People had written him off'

Orlando Pirates legend Lucky Lekgwathi has picked the club's new signing that he believes is the best of all 11 signings made by the club.

Although he believes all the signings are good, the retired defender has picked out Sipho Mbule as the best among them.

"I think all the players are good signings, but if I were to pick one, I'd go for Sipho Mbule. Why? Because people had written him off," Lekgwathi told Soccer Laduma.

"He showed and proved that he is still the Sipho we know. Looking at him, I think he is going to have a good season. If he can just know how to conduct himself and be disciplined, because Pirates are not like other teams. It's a big team," he added.

"They gave him a chance, and so far he's proven himself. As legends who welcomed him to the team, we must continue to encourage him to work hard and to stay humble and disciplined. He will do well for the team."

Mbule is considered Pirates' high-profile signing so far, although the Bucs completed his acquisition amid numerous reports of off-pitch issues.

Despite the reports that overshadowed Mbule at Sekhukhune United, Lekgwathi is among those who believe the midfielder is going to rejuvenate his career at the Soweto giants.

In a bid to strengthen their playing unit, Pirates not only appointed Abdeslam Ouaddou as coach, who is understood to be an admirer of Mbule, but also brought on board a whole host of players.

Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Abdoulaye Mariko, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane, Sihle Nduli, Oswin Appollis, and Kamogelo Sebelebele are the other new signings at Bucs.

Bucs have strengthened their squad, hoping to successfully challenge in multiple competitions, unlike how they performed last season. Despite reaching advanced stages in the CAF Champions League and the Nedbank Cup, Pirates were unable to win those titles as their league form also suffered and they failed to challenge champions Sundowns.

Given that he has been given a vote of confidence by the club's legend, he now has only one duty: to perform to his best and silence his critics and doubters.

Mbule was involved in Pirates' pre-season friendlies, and he was able to show flashes of brilliance.

Before the new league season begins, the Sea Robbers have a critical task: to try and defend the MTN8 title. They will begin their trophy-defence campaign with a quarterfinal clash against Polokwane City on Saturday.