After going thorough a long evaluation process last season, another promising youngster who played his trade for Orlando Pirates U12’s last season, has successfully graduated to the U14 category at the club.

Pirates’ development program which has just opened its doors in preparation for the beginning of the season scheduled for March 7th, have also undergone a massive reshuffling in the technical team department, with the introduction of Lucky Shibury the new goalkeeper coach, the pairing of coaches with the SAFA level II coaching certificate in the four categories existing in the program, and the graduation of the U12 players to the U14 category.

Amongst the players who will be representing the U14’s are dribbling midfielder Lebogang Mathakanye, Sizwe Twala, Thula, Phila Mzila, Mbongiseni Mazibuko, Syianda Mpetwana, Njabulo Mazibuko, Thula Thabethe,Xolani Zwane amongst others.

Matakanye who was the darling of the U13’s, helped Pirates to finish the league in the top spot in the SAFA Soweto league which ended last year.

The nippy twelve year-old (Lebo) is certainly in for a greater challenge, however his ability to read the game well, as well as his electrifying pace (at his level) could see him easily matching his adversaries in this category.

Meanwhile, the entire development program is undergoing a fitness evaluation test in Mayfair, where the technical team is hoping to access the ‘shape’ and physical condition of the players after being on a long holiday break.