BREAKING: Orlando Pirates set to wrap up fifth signing, player already in camp!

Last week, Orlando Pirates announced four new players ahead of their pre-season camp in Rustenburg, while a fifth has reportedly joined them!

READ | MAMELODI SUNDOWNS SET TO SIGN YET ANOTHER STELLENBOSCH FC STAR!

Pirates have already announced the captures of stars Melusi Buthelezi, Sephelo Baloni, Katlego Otladisa and Patrick Maswanganyi. 

READ | ROOM FOR ONE MORE? KAIZER CHIEFS IN TALKS TO COMPLETE ‘SURPRISE’ SIGNING

Besides those names, Pirates are believed to be in talks to sign Sicelo Hlatshwayo, a defender that can play both centrally or on the right hand side. They will be hoping to wrap up a deal with Golden Arrows, whom they have a very good relationship with. Pirates are also thought to have been offered the opportunity to re-sign former fan favourite Andile Jali, as well as another Galaxy player and recent Bafana Bafana call up, Bathusi Aubaas. They’re also thought to be battling Mamelodi Sundowns for the signature of Maritzburg United playmaker Karim Kimvuidi as well as recently released star Lesedi Kapinga. 

READ | NEW KAIZER CHIEFS SIGNINGS SPOTTED ON THE FIELD IN NEW KIT!

But that is not all, as in a rather shock turn of events, Pirates are believed to be close to wrapping up not only a fifth signing but a fifth goalkeeper in Dondol Stars player Siphamandla Gumede. 

Gumede to wrap up Pirates deal?

“According to a source close to proceedings, Dlamini .The player is understood to have attracted interest from Richards Bay, but he has favoured a move to Pirates, where he will have tough competition in the goalkeeping department. The Buccaneers added Buthelezi to a goalkeeping department which already has Richard Ofori, Siyabonga Mpontshane and Sipho Chaine, who finished the season as the number one.” Wrote Soccer-Laduma.

READ | EXCITING YOUNGSTER REJOINS ORLANDO PIRATES, GETS CHANCE TO IMPRESS IN SPAIN?

The same publication then goes as far as saying a source close to the proceedings of the deal has informed them that Gumede is, in fact already with the Pirates squad in camp, indicating just how close this deal is to being announced. 

READ | MAMELODI SUNDOWNS RELEASE ATTACKER, SOWETO GIANTS TO POUNCE?

It would certainly be interesting to see how Pirates will deal with what could be an extremely bloated goalkeeping situation now. Ofori has reportedly extended his deal, while the expected departure of Mpontshane is now looking highly unlikely. Chaine enhanced his reputation as a number one last season, while Buthelezi joins the club as a number one who is close to the Bafana Bafana set up. Surely one or maybe two would have to make way.