The famous colours of Orlando Pirates. Image: The South African
BOMBSHELL: Pirates secure surprise signing – report
Orlando Pirates have reportedly swooped in to secure the signing of another key recruit as part of their squad building for next season.
The famous colours of Orlando Pirates. Image: The South African
This past week, Pirates confirmed the signing of highly-regarded Cameroonian striker Souaibou Marou, and it was always going to be interesting to see what other business the Buccaneers concluded during the January transfer window.
Now, according to SABC Sport, it’s reported that AmaZulu skipper Makhehleni Makhaula has agreed personal terms on a pre-contract with Pirates, and will make the move to Soweto when his contract expires at the the end of the current season.
It’s suggested that with no clear indications from AmaZulu in terms of discussing an improved contract, Pirates swooped in to secure the somewhat surprise signing of the 33-year-old midfielder.
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Meanwhile, it’s expected that Marou will make his Buccaneers debut sooner rather than later.
Notably, it’s believed that his work permit and paperwork are already all in order, and with the youngster having already begun training with his new team, there is a good chance he will be available in the near future.
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On Sunday, Pirates will host Stellenbosch in a crucial DStv Premiership clash, and although this game may come too soon for Marou, there is a chance that he could be considered for selection – possibly even on the bench.
According to Soccer Laduma, insiders have suggested that the highly-regarded playmaker could indeed be considered for selection as early as this month.
Images have now emerged of Marou in training with Pirates, and it’s already clear to see what value he could add with his height of around 1.8m.
CHECK OUT THE PIRATES IMAGES BELOW:
“Marou comes to South Africa on the back of a three-year stint with his former club, Coton Sport, winning two league titles in the process, including Player of the Season award in 2022,” Pirates stated this week.
“His form in the Cameroonian league didn’t go unnoticed as he was selected to the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad that competed in Qatar. The Cameroonian international, who concluded his deal with the club yesterday afternoon, will join his new teammates this morning.”
It can’t be forgotten that towards the end of last year, Cameroonian football website kick442.com originally reported that Souaibou – who formed part of Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions squad at the FIFA World Cup – had signed a multi-year deal worth around R3.37 million plus add-ons.
However, there was some fallout after news of the deal was leaked at that time, and so it’s unclear what figure was ultimately decided upon.
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Interestingly, Souaibou’s arrival was always expected to necessitate the departure of at least one overseas-based player as Bucs had a full quota of five foreigners in Richard Ofori, Kwame Peprah, Olisah Ndah, Terrence Dzuvukamnanja and of course Bienvenu Eva-Nga. However, Maritzburg United have completed the signing of Peprah on loan.
During his career with Coton Sport, Souaibou scored 30 goals in 63 games in all competitions, including a winner in the cup of Cameroon final.
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Cameroonian striker Souaibou Marou could be a game-changer for Pirates. Photo: Twitter
