Orlando Pirates target first division striker

Orlando Pirates are pressing ahead with their transfer plans for next season, with a new target identified. 

Pirates was active during the January transfer window, signing Talent Mbatha and Thabiso Lebitso.

Already for the next season, Pirates have been linked with some names to further beef up their squad. Long-term targets such as Riaan Hanamub and Shaune Mogaila. Then there have been fresh targets like Stanley Nwabali, Shandre Campbell, Velemseni Ndwandwe, Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis and Andy Boyeli.

Last month, Pirates beat Hungry Lions 4-0 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup. Even though the visitors did not shower themselves with much glory as they hardly troubled the Buccaneers. It does seem as if, there is one player that has emerged from there, that impressed. That player is second half substitute Muzomuhle Khanyi. 

According to Soccer-Laduma Pirates are interested in signing Khanyi for next season. 

PIRATES INTERESTED IN KHANYI

“They (Pirates) really want to add a younger striker to their squad and that’s why they are looking at different young strikers at the moment and Muzi (Khanyi) is one of them. They have been monitoring him for some time now and they are happy with what they have seen in the boy. It will all depend on what happens between now and the end of the season,” said one source.

A second source suggests that Pirates are ready to sacrifice some old strikers for the new brigade.

“They are looking at of]oading a few strikers, either two or three, to bring in new ones. There is Tremaine Eastmond, Stephane Aziz Ki (who is a mid_elder) and now Muzi. So, to bring in all these new strikers, then some of them have to be of]oaded. That includes current strikers and other players as well, who will be loaned out. So, for Muzi (Khanyi) to join at the end of the season, the club is looking at other factors as well but they have inquired about him,”said the source. 

ALSO SIGNED BALONI FROM FIRST DIVISION LAST SEASON

The Buccaneers, are also no strangers to scouting players from lower divisions that they play against. Just last season, they signed Siphelo Baloni after he impressed against them for All Stars FC. Things aren’t really going to plan for Baloni, which could serve as a warning to Khanyi should Pirates approach him. It would, of course represent a huge step up in the 25-year-old’s career.