Gilberto Returns for COSAFA Cup Amid Uncertainty Over Orlando Pirates Future

Angolan winger Gilberto will fly back to South Africa for the upcoming COSAFA Cup, but his international duty comes at a time when his club future remains clouded in uncertainty. The 24-year-old has been named in Angola’s final squad, which was announced late Monday afternoon, and is expected to feature when the Palancas Negras open their campaign against Namibia on Thursday.

The selection comes as no surprise following Gilberto’s strong showing during his loan stint at Petro de Luanda. Since returning home at the start of the year, he played a key role in helping the Angolan giants secure another league title, enjoying regular minutes and rediscovering the form that initially caught the attention of Orlando Pirates.

However, despite his resurgence, questions linger about whether he will feature in the Buccaneers’ plans next season, especially with a new coach expected to take over at the Soweto club. Gilberto’s first six months at Pirates were largely underwhelming. He made just one start in 12 appearances under Jose Riveiro, struggling to break into a side where young stars like Mohau Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng have flourished.

With the national team call-up reaffirming his potential, Gilberto now finds himself at a crossroads. Staying at Pirates could mean limited game time and the risk of losing his spot in the national team setup. On the other hand, another loan spell at Petro de Luanda could offer the consistent football he needs to remain a regular for Angola.

Gilberto’s popularity back home is unquestionable, and his performances for Petro have kept him in high regard among local fans. But as he returns to South Africa for the COSAFA Cup, all eyes will be on how he performs—and whether his future lies in Johannesburg or back in Luanda.

What is clear is that for Gilberto, this COSAFA Cup is more than just an international tournament; it’s a chance to remind the footballing world—and perhaps a new Pirates coach—of the talent that once made him a marquee signing.