Orlando Pirates returning midfielder Goodman Mosele could find himself in a familiar situation where another loan move could be on the cards.
Pirates' squad depth remains under scrutiny after losing a number of quality players at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, having not exactly signed the same quality, with the bulk of the recruits coming from the lower leagues.
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The midfield position remains very competitive and the injury of Mosele has made his supposed integration back into the matchday squad in the next few months very difficult.
The 24-year-old rejoined the club already carrying a knee injury that he picked up at Chippa United in May and is currently in a rehabilitation phase in the treatment room.
The Soweto giants' head coach Jose Riveiro has acknowledged the return of Mosele back to the squad.
"Mosele is an old friend already, we know him very well. He's been [away] for one year, he's back, he's gonna give us something extra in midfield," Riveiro said on the Prime Sports With Mahlatse YouTube Channel.
However, with the former Baroka FC man expected to come back only in November, he would find the packing order already in the thick of things.
The Spaniard currently prefers Thalente Mbatha and Makhehlene Makhaula in midfield and the return from injury of Miguel Timm has added more competition for places.
Other anchormen vying for spots in the engine room include Siphelo Baloni and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, who both have been options off the bench for the side so far in their first three official matches.
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Mosele was a regular in his last season at the Buccaneers but picked up a serious injury midway through 2022/23 and after sitting out the last four months of the season, he was sent out on loan to Chippa the following league term.
Barring any injuries, by the time the Bafana Bafana international returns, it would be hard for him to get game-time during the busiest period of the season, as he has not had pre-season.
Furthermore, with January around the corner by then, he could be considering another loan switch so he doesn't spend the whole season without regular game-time.