Orlando Pirates close to wrapping up fifth signing of the window!

Last month, Orlando Pirates announced four new players ahead of their pre-season camp, while a fifth is reportedly close to joining them!

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Pirates have already announced the captures of stars Melusi Buthelezi, Sephelo Baloni, Katlego Otladisa and Patrick Maswanganyi.

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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. With Pirates thought to be interested in another Galaxy player and recent Bafana Bafana call up, Bathusi Aubaas. They’re also thought to be battling Mamelodi Sundowns for the signature of Maritzburg United playmaker Karim Kimvuidi as well as recently released star Lesedi Kapinga.

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But that is not all, as in a rather shock turn of events, Pirates are believed to be close to wrapping up not only a fifth signing but a fifth goalkeeper in Dondol Stars player Siphamandla Gumede. A couple of weeks ago, this publication had already reported that Gumede had even joined up with Pirates in Rustenburg ahead of their departure to Spain. Then, it was thought that the move was a done deal, but it is clear there were still a few matters that still needed to be ironed out.

GUMEDE TO PUT PEN TO PAPER WITH PIRATES

Now, according to Unplayable, Pirates are finally close to wrapping up the deal that will see Gumede become a Buccaneer ahead of next season. The outlet goes on to claim that the club will look to loan the player out next season, as they already have four senior keepers ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

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That could prove to be a masterstroke from Pirates with Siyabonga Mpontshane maybe being kept on for one more season due to his experience playing on the continent, while Gumede gets used to playing topflight football week in, week out elsewhere. By the time Mpontshane departs, Pirates will have a more developed version of Gumede come back to the club.

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