Orlando Pirates set to clinch first signing of the season

Orlando Pirates were one of the most active clubs in the previous window, with the next one in sight. 

READ | HAS ITUMELENG KHUNE PLAYED HIS LAST GAME FOR KAIZER CHIEFS?

Pirates both signed and released players in January, leaving their squad with a refreshed look. 

READ | CAVIN JOHNSON REFUSED KAIZER CHIEFS JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW BLANK CHEQUE

The likes of Thabiso Lebitso and Talent Mbatha were roped in by Pirates, who then saw Bienvenu Eva Nga released. Then perhaps, the biggest outgoing was that of club stalwart Thembinkosi Lorch. The playmaker shocked the local football fraternity by securing a deadline day move to rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.

READ | AFRICAN GIANTS TO TEMPT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS WITH TEBOHO MOKOENA BID?

That move would’ve undoubtedly hurt the majority of Pirates fans, but they’re set for some revenge. According to the latest reports, they are close to out foxing Sundowns to the signing of a striker. The striker in question being Congolese star Andy Boyeli. It had already been reported in January that the Buccaneers had leapfrogged their rivals in the race. The move did not end up materialising in the previous window, but seemingly not all is lost. 

READ | THREE PSL RIVALS EYEING ORLANDO PIRATES MIDFIELDER

According to Soccer-Laduma Boyeli is still very much set for a switch to Pirates, in time for the 2024/25 season. 

BOYELI CLOSE TO ORLANDO PIRATES SWITCH

“The talks between the two clubs are apparently in an advanced stage and why the deal didn’t happen in January is because it could have involved the international transfer clearances as well as a work permit. That’s why they moved the whole deal to the end of the season. They believe that by that time it will be ideal for the player (Boyeli) to move without hiccups and delays. So expect him to be at Pirates in the new season,” the source said.

READ | REVEALED | MAMELODI SUNDOWNS DECISION ON TEBOHO MOKOENA EURO INTEREST

Pirates are currently stacked upfront and will need to release some attackers at the end of the season. They currently have the likes Evidence Makgopa, Zakhele Lepasa, Kermit Erasmus and Souaibou Marou. They have also exercised an option to recall Tshegofatso Mabasa from his loan at Moroka Swallows. Out of those strikers, Makgopa might be the only one that is safe with the impending Boyeli deal. 

READ MORE | Thapelo Maseko ruled out of AFCON!