Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Thabang Stemmer has expressed his admiration for the club's young goalkeeper, Siyabonga Dladla.
The 24-year-old performed impressively during Pirates' friendly matches in their pre-season camp in Spain, even managing to keep a clean sheet in one of the games.
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Dladla is a product of the Orlando Pirates development academy and was promoted to the first team in July 2024.
"I think he did very well during the camp in Spain, as he is the only keeper who didn’t concede a goal," Stemmer tells KickOff.
"He looks like someone who can challenge and create competition with the likes of Sipho Chaine and Melusi Buthelezi.
"We should commend the Orlando Pirates goalkeeping department, as well as coach Tyron Damons and coach Siyabonga Mpontshane; I believe they’ve done a great job.
"When it comes to goalkeeping, we are settled. I think we are very strong in that department.
"The way he is so calm inside his box shows he possesses talent, and it's evident that he is receiving quality coaching.
"Being an understudy to someone like Sipho Chaine, who is also a very calm goalkeeper, has allowed Siyabonga Dladla to learn a lot.
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"I wouldn’t recommend a loan move for him; I believe he should stay and compete. Modern goalkeeping often involves changing keepers frequently.
"Dladla just needs to be patient; we can all see he is the future number one for Pirates."
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