Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza held discussions with Thembinkosi Lorch ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns move

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 27: Orlando Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza during a media briefing on the death of Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain Senzo Meyiwa’s death on October 27, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Meyiwa was shot and killed at Kelly Khumalo’s house on Sunday evening. (Photo by Gallo Images / Foto24 / Cornel van Heerden).

Orlando Pirates to announce NINE new signings in one go?

Orlando Pirates are set to jet off to the warm conditions of a European summer, when they return for their pre-season ahead of new campaign, according to reports!

Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza held discussions with Thembinkosi Lorch ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns move

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 27: Orlando Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza during a media briefing on the death of Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain Senzo Meyiwa’s death on October 27, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Meyiwa was shot and killed at Kelly Khumalo’s house on Sunday evening. (Photo by Gallo Images / Foto24 / Cornel van Heerden).

Orlando Pirates are set to jet off to the warm conditions of a European summer, when they return for their pre-season ahead of new campaign, according to reports!

READ | REVEALED | WHEN KAIZER CHIEFS WILL ANNOUNCE THEIR NEW SIGNINGS

That plane to Spain could see the club carrying as many as nine new faces if the media reports over the last month are to be believed. 

READ | REVEALED | HOW MUCH KAIZER CHIEFS ARE WILLING TO SPEND ON NEW COACHING STAFF

Pirates ended the 2022/23 local football season with two of the three pieces of domestic silverware available, and soon it will be time for the Buccaneers to go again. One man who will be pleased with the effort of this players is coach Jose Riveiro. The Spanish tactician took over at the start of the season, amid countless critics from members of the media and journalists alike, upon his arrival. But in the end, it was he who would have the last laugh, crowing his debut season in South Africa with two trophies as well as leading Pirates back into CAF Champions League football, by guiding them to a second place finish on the log.

READ | BREAKING: BIG ANNOUNCEMENT MADE ON KAIZER CHIEFS PRIORITY COACHING TARGET

The Buccaneers, however, through both coach and players have made it very clear that they were not satisfied with winning just the cups, and that they should be challenging Mamelodi Sundowns for the DStv Premiership title. Those sentiments, echoing those of Pirates legend Benni McCarthy, who has also set higher objectives for a side he helped win a double treble with. Now to try help them on that cause, they could announce as many as nine new players. Let’s take a look at the list!

  1. Melusi Buthelezi

The signing of the TS Galaxy goalkeeper Buthelezi is said to be a done deal and is only a matter of announcing. He has already publicly said his goodbyes to his now ex-teammates ahead of joining Pirates. 

2. Siphelo Balloon

The former All Stars FC midfielder was believed to have been the second singing for Pirates. Baloni will join the Buccaneers as a free agent.

3. Katlego Otladisa

The signing of Otladisa will be the third done deal for Pirates if the latest reports are to be believed. It is though that the Buccaneers and Marumo Gallants have reached an agreement on the transfer fee, with the speedy winger signing imminently 

4. Karim Kimvuidi

After they were thought to have lost out to Sundowns for Kimvuidi’s signature, it has since been said that they will be looking to wrap up his signature in a matter of days. The attacking midfielder was just recently relegated with Maritzburg United, with the playoff’s thought to be the only hold up on him signing. 

5. Sicelo Hlatshwayo

Pirates are believed to be in talks to sign the centre back from Golden Arrows for weeks now. Judging by the close relationship the two clubs have, it would be no surprise to see Hlatshwayo being announced as a Buccaneer soon. 

6. Bathusi Aubass 

The Galaxy midfielder is believed to be in talks to join his teammate Buthelezi at Pirates. The two clubs are believed to be in dialogue over a deal for the Bafana Bafana call up, with Aubass possibly being unveiled soon.

7. Ranga Chivaviro

There have been persistent reports that Pirates are favourites to sign Chivaviro, with this publication reporting yesterday that they have stepped up their chase for the striker. The only hold up could be the battle for his owners by Marumo Gallants and Richards Bay FC

8. Andile Jali

Over the past few weeks, speculation has been rife that Jali will rejoin Pirates as a free agent, on Wednesday this publication reported that he could return to his former side on a one-year deal with an option for a further year.

9. Mosa Lebusa

The latest name linked to Pirates is Lebusa. The Bafana Bafana international is set to be a free agent after his contract at Sundowns expires at the end of the month. On Wednesday it was reported that he had already signed for the Buccs and that he would be unveiled with Jali soon.

READ | ORLANDO PIRATES TO WRAP UP FOURTH SIGNING IN A ‘MATTER OF DAYS’-REPORT