Orlando Pirates snatch Stellenbosch FC technical team member

Highly rated performance analyst Devon O’Brien is taking on a fresh challenge with the Soweto giants after a little over a year with the side from The Winelands, having been part of the group that clinched the Carling Black Label Cup in December.

The work being done by Stellies in the Premier Soccer League hasn’t gone unnoticed by their rivals in the DStv Premiership, with the traditional big clubs – especially – recruiting their star players.

And this has now extended to their backroom staff also moving on to greener pastures as is the case with O’Brien, a former employee at Cape Town Spurs.

The public broadcaster got wind of the fact that the performance analyst would be joining the Jose Riveiro-led Pirates in the coming weeks following his public announcement and farewell to everyone at Stellies over the weekend.

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“Dear Stellenbosch FC Family, as I embark on a new chapter in my career, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible experience I've had with Stellenbosch FC. It has been an honour and a privilege to be part of such a dedicated and passionate team,” he wrote on his social media accounts.

The Buccaneers still have another vacancy to fill after the departure of assistant coach Sergio Almenara, who has returned home to Europe.

Almenara arrived at Pirates alongside Riveiro in July 2022 and helped guide the club to four trophies in two seasons.

O’Brien is expected to join The Buccaneers on yet another tour to Spain next month where they have scheduled several friendly matches against Sevilla, Plymouth Argyle and Al Sadd SC between 8-20 July.