Pule pens new long-term Pirates deal

Pule pens new long-term Pirates deal

SABC Sport has established that Orlando Pirates winger Vincent Pule has committed his future to the club after putting pen to paper on a new long-term contract.

He joined the Buccaneers in July 2018 from the now-defunct Bidvest Wits and has since built a reputation as one of their key players while enjoying a notable trajectory in his career.

According to reliable sources, Pule signed an extension on his current deal that was set to expire at the end of the 2022/23 season, although it is believed Pirates were anyway expected to trigger an option they had in the contract.

The 30-year-old has struggled with injuries this season and, with teammate Monnapule Saleng on form, it™s meant he has had stiff competition in that position during the campaign as he works his way back to full fitness.

Speaking after their MTN8 final win over AmaZulu on Saturday night at Moses Mabhida Stadium, coach Jose Riveiro spoke highly of Pule, who came on as a substitute for Kermit Erasmus in the final 15 minutes.

œHe did everything to prepare for this game, he wanted to be here. He was doing a super good rehab the last month, at least, in order to be here, Riveiro told the media after the cup triumph in Durban.

œThey [the players] want to be part, it™s going to be one of the keys in football in the future - that players accept the roles, accept to play 20 minutes and do it [the job]. They can make the difference in 20 minutes, you can be the MVP of the game, come in and contribute-not just come in angry and upset.

"Little by little we need to educate the players to be part of the collective as much as possible.

Pule™s agent would not confirm any finer details due to their confidential nature, but Basia Michaels of QT Sport told SABC Sport that the player will not be leaving the Buccaneers any time soon.

œWith all due respect, it is not my place to discuss contracts and details like that in the media. What I can tell you is that Vincent is a Pirates player and will remain one for the foreseeable future," she said.

"It is quite obvious that he is an integral part of the team under a coach that has done so well in such a short space of time.

"[Pule] has worked extremely hard to overcome his injuries and has been very focused and determined in making sure he can overcome his hurdles in order to return to the field. He is determined and will have a tremendous season [after the FIFA World Cup recess].

By Mazola Molefe