Initially Orlando Pirates seemed to be left behind by Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs in terms of early transfer business, but it seems like they are in full drive now.
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Already they have wrapped up the signing of TS Galaxy goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi and Siphelo Baloni of All Stars FC with a few more faces expected to come in June.
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Chiefs have already reportedly signed three players ahead of the new season, beating Pirates to centre back Given Msimango in the process. That, however, doesn’t seem to have phased Pirates who are now thought to be rigorously pushing ahead to secure some of their other targets.
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They are believed to be in talks to sign Sicelo Hlatshwayo, a defender that can play both centrally or on the right hand side. They will be hoping to wrap up a deal with Golden Arrows, whom they have a very good relationship with. Pirates are also thought to have been offered the opportunity to re-sign former fan favourite Andile Jali, as well as another TS Galaxy player and recent Bafana Bafana call up, Bathusi Aubaas.
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But one of their earlier transfer targets was winger Katlego Otladisa of the recently relegated Marumo Gallants. After being released by Mamelodi Sundowns not too long ago, due to extensive injury issues, the speedy winger has revived his career successfully at Gallants, being one of the key reasons the club reached the Nedbank Cup finals two seasons ago. That run saw the likes of the Buccaneers and Chiefs credited with interest in his services for the past two transfer windows.
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It now seems, however, that Chiefs are no longer being linked with Otladisa, but the links with Pirates have not disappeared. In fact, they have only increased, with that probably amplified by the fact that the left winger will now be available on a free transfer at the end of the season, as things stand. Amakhosi sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr has already confirmed on national radio that the club had never even looked in the direction of the player.
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For Pirates, however, the rumours have persisted, with thought that they are planning to make a formal offer in due course. It was also thought that Gallants had told interested clubs that they would have to part ways with R5 million to get the player who now has one more year left on his deal with the club.
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Now according to FARPost, Pirates and Gallants are progressing in their talks for a fee with regards to Otladisa’s transfer to the Soweto giants.
Pirates closing in on Otladisa
“The player (Otladisa) is keen on Pirates and they’re the club that has shown intent to meet Gallants’ valuation. It is likely that he will join them,” a source told the above mentioned publication.
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Should Pirates finally wrap up the signing of Otladisa, they would’ve beaten the likes of Sekhukhune United, AmaZulu and Royal AM for his signature.
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