Orlando Pirates in a three-way battle to sign Ugandan Player of the Season!

Orlando Pirates might be in Spain for the pre-season preparations, but they certainly have not stopped casting their eye on developments in Africa.

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Pirates touch down in Spain with four new signings, but those are expected to be joined by more when the club eventually touches down.

 

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So far, Pirate have already confirmed that they have signed TS Galaxy goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi, All Stars midfielder Siphelo Baloni, Marumo Gallants winger Katlego Otladisa and SuperSport United’s Patrick Maswanganyi, who were all unveiled by the Soweto giants weeks ago. But those players are expected to just be the first batch, as the club is believed to still want to address a few issues in defence, midfield and attack before their season finishes.

 

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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 have to be close to wrapping up a deal for Dondol Stars goalkeeper Siphamandla Gumede and the recently released Mamelodi Sundowns star Lesedi Kapinga.

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Now it looks like they’re not going to wait on Kapinga to boost their ranks in wide areas as according to Soccer-Laduma, Pirates are chasing Ugandan winger and Player of the Season Milton Karisa, but face competition for his signature.

Pirates and SuperSport to challenge for Karisa

“There are two teams from South Africa who are monitoring him (Karisa). It’s Pirates and SuperSport United, Both teams have enquired about him. And you know, the season has just finished recently so he could still be on holiday but in football you don’t have time to rest. If he has to travel to South Africa then he has to. But at the moment, I am not sure which team he would be going to,” said one source to the above publication. 

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Another source then reveals that Pirates and SuperSport United would be facing further competition from Yanga SC for the Vipers SC captain Karisa.

Yanga also in the mix

“It’s true they want to sign him. They were talking to him but then there is this ban by FIFA which prohibits them from signing players, That gives the South African sides the advantage at the moment,” said the second source. 

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Will Karisa end up in South Africa? If he does, will it be at Pirates or SuperSport?