Orlando Pirates begin talks to sign centre back Hlatshwayo! 

Orlando Pirates are hard at work trying to reinforce different sides of their defence, in time for their foray into African next season.

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Having roped in a goalkeeper and centre back in Melusi Buthelezi from TS Galaxy and All Stars Midfielder Siphelo Baloni, defence seems to be Pirates’ next target. 

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Already Pirates have been linked with several defenders including the liked of Riaan Hanamub of AmaZulu for their left back ranks, while they have also been linked with a whole host of centre backs. That would make sense, seeing as though the club heavily relied on the likes Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki to man the heart of their defence last season. 

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With the highly rated fan favourite Olisa Ndah only playing 17 games all season, it was the two new signings who carried the Buccaneers ship, with the likes of captain Innocent Maela and Sandile Mthethwa also contributing to the cause at centre half, when required by Spanish tactician Jose Riveiro. 

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Pirates have been linked with a quite a few options for the centre back spot, including Olivier Toure of the recently relegated Marumo Gallants. The two clubs will have to significantly negotiate a transfer fee for the player, however, as at the last time of asking, Gallants were thought to value him at R10 million. 

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Pirates, however, seem to have a long list of players they feel can fill that defensive slot and another name that has entered the conversation is Sicelo Hlatshwayo from Golden Arrows. Just last week this publication reported that the player was on a long list of defensive targets by the Buccaneers, and now according to FARPost, the club have made their first move. 

Pirates and Arrows in talks over Hlatshwayo

“Orlando Pirates FC have opened talks with Lamontville Golden Arrows over the transfer of a highly-rated defender. FARPost has learnt that the Buccaneers have made Abafana Bes’thende’s Sicelokuhle Hlatshwayo is one of their top defensive targets this transfer window.According to a source, the Soweto giants and the KZN-based club are discussing but yet to come to any agreement.” The publication wrote. 

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The last time Pirates signed an Arrows centre back, they struck gold in Nkosinathi Sibisi, but the last time they signed a defensive Hlatshwayo, things did not work out.