11 goals 11 assists: Orlando Pirates set to pass up on top African striker?

11 goals 11 assists: Orlando Pirates set to pass up on top African striker?

Orlando Pirates are believed to be ready to go into the market for yet another striker in the off-season.

Pirates are believed to already be closing in on DRC striker Andy Boyeli but that doesn’t seem to be enough.

They’re also believed to be in the race for Ivorian striker Freddy Michael Kouablan, with archrivals Kaizer Chiefs. The club was already active in the recently concluded January transfer window. 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.

Just last week, it was rumoured that they’re monitoring veteran Swati goal machine Sabelo Ndzinisa and Tremaine Eastmond. Pirates have also shown interest in Young Africans (Yanga) star Stephane Aziz Ki.

Ndzinisa had even issued a “come and get me plea” to Pirates. Now, according to Soccer-Laduma, will not be signed.

Pirates no longer interested in Ndzinisa?

“There is a small hindrance with regards to the move for the Eswatini striker (Ndzinisa). It’s actually his age. As much as he is a good striker but at 32 and he will be even turning 33 soon. He won’t last long at the time and the team (Pirates) is looking at young players who would be the future of the team hence the move is hitting a snag for now. The team is looking at younger strikers like Stephane Aziz Ki and Tremaine Eastmond for example. So, that Ndzinisa move is on hold for now,” said the source

Striker reshuffling?

Last season, Ndzinisa was also top of the Swati pile, scoring 11 goals and laying 11 assists. Therefore with the type of consistency he has displayed, you can see why Pirates would’ve been tempted despite his age. It now remains to be seen which strikers the club opts to offload and then which they choose to sign in the off season. It is believed that the likes of Zakhele Lepasa, Souaibou Marou and Kermit Erasmus could make way.