Orlando Pirates chase another Kaizer Chiefs youth product!

Orlando Pirates chase another Kaizer Chiefs youth product!

Orlando Pirates are already planning for the next season, with both incomings and outgoings in focus.

Pirates made a number of signings during the off-season, as well as the January transfer window.

They signed  Melusi Buthelezi from TS Galaxy, Siphelo Baloni from All Stars FC and Katlego Otladisa from Marumo Gallants. They were joined by Karim Kimvuidi, Lesedi Kapinga and Patrick Maswanganyi. Then in January, Pirates added the duo of Thabiso Lebitso and Thalenthe Mbatha. In January, stalwart Thembinkosi Lorch and Bienvenu Eva Nga both left the club for Mamelodi Sundowns and Chippa United respectfully.

Those players are expected to be followed out of the exit door by a few more, in the coming window. The likes of Zakhele Lepasa, Souaibou Marou, Sandile Mthethwa, among those touted for an exit. Pirates have also been linked with some incomings with the latest being TS Galaxy midfielder Thato Khiba. According to Soccer-Laduma, they have turned their attention to him ahead of next season, but face competition.

Pirates and SuperSport United to battle for Khiba?

“For now I can tell you that there are two clubs from Gauteng monitoring Khiba. They have actually inquired about him. It’s Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United. Both teams are happy with what they have seen in the player so far. I believe that for Pirates it’s not the first time as they inquired about him when he was still at Marumo Gallants before they were relegated from the DStv Premiership. But now SuperSport United have joined the race,” said the source.

Another source reveals Pirates will have to finalise their squad status before attempting to sign Khiba.

“Yes, Thato (Khiba) is on their (Pirates) radar for next season but they want to open up space at the team when they (potentially) bring him in so that they don’t have too many players in the same department while for SuperSport United they are looking at strengthening the team as they anticipate to compete on all angles next season including in Africa if they qualify,” said the source.

A Chiefs youth product

The midfielder is a product of the Kaizer Chiefs youth academy and It now remains to be seen if Khiba is allowed to join either of Pirates or SuperSport by Galaxy.