Will Orlando Pirates cash in on R25 million star?
Orlando Pirates face a few dilemmas this winter window and one of them is deciding which players to sell at their maximum value.
Orlando Pirates face a few dilemmas this winter window and one of them is deciding which players to sell at their maximum value.
ORLANDO PIRATES ARE IN A LUXURIOUS POSITION
Last season’s Golden Boot winner bagged 16 goals in the league. It would initially appear crazy to sell a player of his calibre, but if a massive offer from a wealthy suitor comes in, the Buccaneers board may think it’s the right time to sell the 27-year-old. His current deal expires in June but, according to transfermarkt, there’s a two-year extension option included. The popular website believes Mabasa’s value to be around €1.3 million, approximately R25 million. With rumoured interest from across Europe, the club won’t struggle to fetch a fee in this region for the red-hot marksman. If they play their cards right, they can extract considerably more money from the sale.
MAKGOPA WOULD OFFSET THE LOSS OF MABASA
Orlando Pirates are blessed with top-class strikers. That is, to the extent that they may need to sell one of their marquee forwards to fund other purchases while guaranteeing the remaining number 9 more game time. If it comes down to a business decision, the younger player (Makgopa) might be retained. His value is still climbing while 27-year-old Tshegofatso Mabasa’s is at its peak. The interesting thing about the comparison is that prolific Mabasa is overlooked for Bafana Bafana, while Makgopa leads the line for his country when fully fit and available. Makgopa was preferred to Mabasa in the Nedbank Cup final win over Sundowns, you’ll recall.
NDLONDLO ALSO HEADING OUT?
Soccer-Laduma suggests that attacking midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo may leave Pirates during or before the pre-season tour to Europe. The compact playmaker has become a peripheral figure, featuring 19 times in the league last term, with two assists.
“It’s a tight situation for him (Ndlondlo). His future really hangs in the balance as the club (Pirates) is looking at revamping the squad for the next season. They are in talks with him for a loan deal until his contract expires in June next year. Or he could be involved in a permanent move this year. There are clubs interested in him as well but it’s still early stages to say much. But seriously, his future is up for discussion,” said a source.
If you had to sell one of Mabasa or Makgopa, which would it be?