Orlando Pirates have pulled the trigger on what many saw coming: 23-year-old Angolan midfielder Gilberto has been sent back to Petro de Luanda on a season-long loan after just six underwhelming months at the Soweto giants. Despite winning the MTN 8 trophy with the Buccaneers, Gilberto failed to make a significant impact in a team brimming with talent and fierce competition.

Arriving with high expectations, Gilberto was touted as a player who could transform Pirates’ midfield. Instead, he found himself on the fringes, unable to dislodge Relebohile Mofokeng from his position. The 20-year – old’s consistency and commanding displays ensured that Gilberto was reduced to a supporting role, rarely getting the chance to showcase his skills on the pitch.

While the MTN 8 triumph added some gloss to his brief Pirates stint, it wasn’t enough to keep him in the fold. The decision to send him back to his former club, Petro de Luanda, is a clear indication that Pirates aren’t in the business of waiting for players to settle.

This move, however, raises questions about Pirates’ recruitment strategy. Was Gilberto truly ready for the step up to South African football, or did the club misjudge his potential? Some might argue he wasn’t given enough time, but in a squad competing on multiple fronts, patience is a luxury the Buccaneers simply can’t afford.

For Gilberto, the loan provides an opportunity to regroup, rebuild his confidence, and rediscover the form that initially caught Pirates’ attention. Returning to a familiar environment at Petro de Luanda could be the reset he needs to get his career back on track.

For Pirates, this is a statement of intent. Despite his MTN 8 medal, underperformance is not tolerated. The Soweto giants have set their standards high, and for players like Gilberto, it’s a reminder that they must deliver—or face the consequences.