Independent on Saturday

Orlando Pirates throw striker Kermit Erasmus a lifeline

JUST when it seemed Kermit Erasmus’s career had hit a dead-end, Orlando Pirates threw him a career lifeline at the 11th hour on the Premier Soccer League’s transfer deadline day.

Since the start of the season, Erasmus has been left high and dry on the sidelines and has not played a single game for Mamelodi Sundowns. Erasmus, aka “Romeo”, was out of favour with Sundowns co-coaches Rulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi. There would have been a reason for side-lining the once highly rated Erasmus but at this stage, it remains a mystery. In the past Erasmus was never one to hold back when he was unhappy with a situation.

A few weeks ago, Mokwena was responding to media questions about Erasmus being cold-shouldered. Mokwena responded: “We (Sundowns) will do the best we can to support and help him.”

At around this time, Sundowns signalled their intentions by stripping Erasmus of his jersey number and new signing Marcelo Allende was handed the No 11 jersey. A short while later, Erasmus’s social media post, somewhat cryptic, read: “Support doesn’t always come in the form of money.” A few years ago, former Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba was also on the receiving end of a dissenting Erasmus, who failed to pitch for national team duty. Erasmus later aired his feelings: “I’m not a back-up player.” Erasmus joined Sundowns in 2020 from Cape Town City and last season he made 17 appearances in all competitions and scored four goals. The well-travelled Erasmus has played for 10 professional clubs in five different countries. He reached his peak in 2016 when he was with Stade Rennais in France’s Ligue 1. Earlier in his career, World Soccer Magazine named Erasmus as one of the 50 most talented young world football players in 2007.

Sundowns’ show of goodwill meant that Erasmus can again pursue his career in a meaningful way rather than watch the action from the grandstand. Pirates made the announcement on Friday. Their statement read: “Orlando Pirates is happy to announce the signing of Kermit Erasmus on a two-year deal. “Romeo, as he is affectionately known, returns to the club having left to join

French outfit Stade Rennais back in 2016. “The experienced forward joins the Buccaneers having recently been cleared by his former employer and becomes the sixth senior signing of the season.

“On becoming a Buccaneer once more, Erasmus said: ‘It’s good to be back!’

“Pirates can confirm the signing of goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. The 25-year-old signs from Chippa United on a three-year deal.” Sundowns, however, gave him a glowing send-off in a short statement: “In the two years that Kermit has been with Mamelodi Sundowns, the talented player has displayed professionalism and was always on hand to share his knowledge – and experience with his teammates. “Everyone at Mamelodi Sundowns would like to wish Romeo the best of luck with his future endeavours on and off the pitch.”

Earlier on Thursday, Pirates dipped into the transfer market to sign the talented Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo of Marumo Gallants. The talented midfielder should fit in well at the Buccaneers.

“I am happy to be here. This is a dream come true for me,” said Ndlondlo.

“With the window about to close, I didn’t think a move would happen, but football is an unpredictable game. Anything is possible. Here I am today speaking as an Orlando Pirates player. “As I said before, it’s a dream to be here and I look forward to joining up with my new teammates. I come here looking to make a meaningful contribution to this great institution.”

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2022-09-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-09-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

http://independentonsaturday.pressreader.com/article/281840057534940

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