Surprise PSL side to beat Orlando Pirates to Vincent Pule replacement? 

Orlando Pirates could be set for a big blow as one of their reported transfer targets could end up signing for their DStv Premiership rivals. 

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It is believed that Pirates are targeting Malawian winger Francisco Madinga ahead of the new season, with the player a potential Vincent Pule replacement.

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Now having wrapped up their first signing in goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi, it looks like Pirates have also been hard at work, trying to secure some signings on the opposite side of the pitch. Several attackers have already been linked to the Buccaneers, including the likes of Katlego Otladisa, Ashley Cupido, Ranga Chivaviro, Mokete Mogaila and Benson Omala. 

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just last week, this publication revealed that Mamelodi Sundowns had reignited their long standing interest in Pule, who has struggled for game time for various reasons. Now with interest in Madinga, they could add him to a list that could also see the likes of Monnapule Saleng, Thembinkosi Lorch, and new young sensation Relebohile Ratomo. 

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They might just have a problem in that regard, however, as according to the latest reports, Pirates are not the only local side that are targeting Madinga’s signature. In fact, according to Soccer-Laduma, as it stands they are likely to miss out to TS Galaxy. 

TS Galaxy looking to beat Pirates to Madinga

“He is a talented young player who can play as a winger or as a left back, With the Malawi national team at Afcon in Cameroon, he played as a left back and he did very well against established teams like Senegal and Morocco. As it stands now he has a better chance of joining TS Galaxy than Pirates but you know Pirates are a big team so anything can happen,” said a source to the same publication. 

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Madinga’s representative also confirmed that there was, indeed interest in South Africa for his client. 

Agent confirms SA clubs interest

“Yes, there is interest for the player in South Africa, but for now, I don’t want to say which team wants him. Remember he still has one year left with Jwaneng Galaxy in Botswana. But it’s true a move to South Africa would make big sense for a national team player like him. But when the time is right and everything is ready I will let you know which are the teams in South Africa who are interested in him,”. He said. 

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If this proves to be true and Galaxy do indeed end up beating Pirates to Madinga, it could well prove to be a statement of intent.