Orlando Pirates have made their first major signing of the season – and it’s not a player.
In an effort to bolster their administration, Pirates have snatched up former PSL general manager of football Derek Blanckensee, who has been without a job since he left the league last year after five and a half years.
Blanckensee has joined the Buccaneers, but it is not yet clear in what capacity. A Pirates insider said Blanckensee even has an office at the club.
The insider said Blanckensee had been at the club for more than three weeks and was surprised nobody had said anything about his appointment.
The former Bidvest Wits chief executive is regarded as one of the best administrators in the country and is known to be thorough. He is expected to jack up the Bucs’ administration.
He has already been involved in the day-to-day running of the club.
He also served as the 2010 Fifa World Cup Local Organising Committee chief competitions officer.
When contacted for comment, Blanckensee said: “It is for Pirates to comment.”
Pirates chairperson Irvin Khoza failed to respond to questions sent to him.
Before leaving the league, Blanckensee was put on special leave pending a disciplinary hearing. But the two parted amicably at the end of August without a hearing being held.
“The league wishes to provide clarity by placing it on record that none of the charges were related to dishonesty of any kind, but to administrative shortcomings in his department in the processing of a registration,” read the league’s statement at the time.
After a poor season, Pirates are expected to raid the market once again next season.
They had one of their worst seasons in the PSL era when they finished 11th.
They are also expected to offload a few players who failed to impress.
. Meanwhile, the PSL executive committee will meet on Thursday to discuss AmaZulu FC’s application to buy Thanda Royal Zulu.
Thanda entered into an agreement to sell its status to AmaZulu after their promotion from the National First Division.