The famous colours of Orlando Pirates. Image: The South African
Deadline day: Could Chiefs or Pirates swoop for this top player?
A talented midfielder could become available on deadline, and it will be interesting to see whether Pirates or Chiefs will be tempted.
The famous colours of Orlando Pirates. Image: The South African
According to leading SABC journalist, Mazola Molefe, there has been an interesting development at the end of January as Mamelodi Sundowns star Lesedi Kapinga has reportedly requested to leave.
The 27-year-old joined Sundowns on a five-year deal in the summer of 2020, but in a squad filled with immense competition for places, he may be looking for more game-time elsewhere.
If The Brazilians are willing to consider offers from other clubs, it will be very interesting to see whether Soweto giants Chiefs or Pirates could be interested.
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During this January window, Pirates already 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.
In another major development, SABC Sport, 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. In fact, there is even talk that AmaZulu would consider soon releasing Makhaula to Pirates “subject to a fee”, with the experienced playmaker currently recovering from an injury.
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.
Read the full report here
In other interesting news that you may have missed, former Orlando Pirates defender Happy Jele could reportedly be in line for an interesting new role with the Buccaneers.
A statement at that time revealed that Jele was asked to seriously consider a non-playing role after extensive meetings, but the former captain subsequently insisted that he wanted to continue playing “beyond the 2021/2022 season”.
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However, Pirates ultimately decided that they couldn’t agree to a continued role in the playing squad, and bid farewell to Jele. The veteran parted ways with Pirates last year, bringing an end to an illustrious career that spanned 16 years and included over 400 appearances since 2006.
Yet Goal.com now reports “on good authority” that Jele is once again negotiating with Orlando Pirates regarding a non-playing position at the club.
“Talks between the two parties are still in the early stages,” the source told GOAL. “He is seriously considering hanging up his boots and serving the club that he loves in any capacity. It is unclear at this stage what kind of position he will be offered by the club. But everything will be clear as talks progress.”
Jele had won two league titles, two Nedbank Cups, a Telkom Knockout competition and been part of three MTN8 title successes, but couldn’t settle at a new club after parting ways with Pirates.
It will now be very interesting to see whether a return to Pirates could eventuate in some capacity or another.
