Petro Luanda closing in on Gilberto loan extension from Pirates | OneFootball

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Petro edge closer to agreement with Pirates for Gilberto loan extension

Picture courtesy of Orlando Pirates

Angolan giants Petro de Atletico Luanda are closing in on finalizing a deal to extend the loan deal for Miguel Deivi Viera, also known as Gilberto, from Betway Premiership giants Orlando Pirates ahead of the new season.

Gilberto joined the Buccaneers on a three-year deal at the beginning of last season, in what promised to be a signing that will add significant competition on the Bucs flanks. However, the player struggled to adapt to South African football.

The winger only managed to make 12 appearances across all competitions under then-head coach Jose Riveiro, coming off the bench in most games. ‘Gibele’, as the player is fondly known in his homeland, failed to either score or provide an assist during his brief stint at Pirates.

In the wake of his unconvincing adaptation, the Sea Robbers sent the player back to his hometown club Luanda, where he dazzled prior to attracting Pirates. Before returning to the Angolan powerhouse for the second half of last season, he won the MTN8 title with Pirates.

In Angola, Gilberto was crowned the Angolan Girabola champion as Petro clinched the title with a game to spare, to book their ticket to the CAF Champions League, where they will face Cercle Joachim in the second preliminary round.

Now, according to exclusive information gathered by this publication, Petro are edging closer to finalizing a deal to extend the player’s loan spell, with talks between the two clubs understood to be at the final stage.

Gilberto is believed to be open to extending his stay in his native country after rediscovering his form and finding regular game time. The 24-year-old forward was excluded in Pirates’ 34-man squad for the 2025/26 season.

The player recently featured for the Angolan national team in the 2025 COSAFA Cup staged in Bloemfontein. Gilberto was also named in Pedro Goncalves’ squad for the African Nations Championship (CHAN).