Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates ‘take the lead’ in race for marquee Kaizer Chiefs target

Bucs to trump Amakhosi again?

by James Freemantle

28-05-2024 09:10

in Premier Soccer League

Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix

Kaizer Chiefs might be about to lose out on one of their marquee targets as he “favours” a move to Orlando Pirates.

Rayners to favour Orlando Pirates over Kaizer Chiefs?

According to The Citizen, in-form Stellenbosch attacker Iqraam Rayners could move to Orlando Pirates despite interest from their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs. 28-year-old Rayners excelled as Stellenbosch’s star strike this season, bagging 15 goals in the DStv Premiership. Only Orlando Pirates star Tshegofatso Mabasa (16) scored more. Rayners was nominated in four PSL Awards categories. Since returning to Stellies from a failed stint at SuperSport, he has flourished for the Winelands team.

Orlando Pirates Stellenbosch — Iqraam Rayners is a target for Orlando Pirates. Image: Backpagepix

Deadly duo loading?

With Kermit Erasmus and Souaibou Marou on the way out, The Sea Robbers will need reinforcements in attack. A move for Rayners would make a lot of sense. The Buccaneers will lose as many as 12 players this winter in a huge squad reshuffle.

NEDBANK CUP FINAL LOOMS LARGE

Midfield orchestrator Miguel Timm is a major doubt for the Nedbank Cup final against Sundowns on 1 June after missing the 1-0 defeat to TS Galaxy. Key defender Tapelo Xoki will miss the game after being ruled out for the rest of the campaign. The 29-year-old central defender made 26 appearances in the league and three in the Nedbank Cup. He’s also grabbed three goals in that competition. Xoki suffered a serious ankle injury in training and needs surgery. Deon Hotto returned for the final league matches of the campaign, however, after getting injured in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals against Chippa.

Sundowns and Pirates lock horns on Saturday, 1 June from 15:00 at Mbombela Stadium.

Orlando Pirates Mabasa kaizer chiefs — Tshegofatso Mabasa against Crystal Lake at the Mbombela Stadium in the Nedbank Cup. Image: BackpagePix

Double double loading for the Sea Robbers?

Pirates have already defended their MTN8 crown this season, beating Sundowns in the final. They can do the almost unthinkable by also retaining their Nedbank Cup title, but they’ll need to beat Rulani Mokwena’s men again to do just that. Sundowns will still be slightly aggrieved and licking their wounds after surrendering their unbeaten status in the league on the final day, losing to Cape Town City.