Orlando Pirates are in first place heading into this PSL weekend, tied on points and goals with reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Apart from a shock elimination in the Telkom Cup at the hands of newcomers Magesi FC, the Sea Robbers have enjoyed one of their best starts to the season, winning the MTN8 Cup and netting eight goals in four league games.
Jose Riveiro’s side face last-placed AmaZulu on October 25.
Kick-off: 19:30
Orlando Pirates’ January transfer targets
Chippa United’s Sinxolo Kwayiba and Cape Winelands centre-back Thabo Moloisane have caught the eye of Buccaneers management with impressive cameos in their opening games of the season.
Attacking midfielder Kwayiba, 24, has been the integral spark for his side, earning him a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad.
According to SoccerLaduma, the Soweto Giants are favourites to land the Gqeberha native, reporting that “Pirates are the ones who have moved faster in trying to acquire the services of Sinoxolo (Kwayiba). The technical team has been impressed so far with what they have seen from the player and that’s why they want to involve a player exchange to influence the deal. It could be money plus players involved. But what I can tell you is that Pirates are in the forefront to get him.”
Moloisane, 25, also looks like likely to join Orlando Pirates: “The club is working hard to find at least a central defender to be backup or cover in case of injuries and suspensions. The team feels that with injuries in central defense, they need a player like Thabo Moloisane and now that’s why they have reignited their interest in him again. Obviously, for now, that could only happen in January. But, yet, the interest has always been there and now it’s just a revisit of that interest,” the SoccurLaduma source said.
Honest assessment from Sundowns’ manager
Orlando Pirates strong start to the season doesn’t seem to be worrying Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi who told FARPost, “I think I said it from the beginning in the launch that for me they are the team that’s going to be really pushing us.
“But I still maintain that they are a team that doesn’t do well against small teams. So far, they have really done well but let’s continue and see because that’s where I think maybe the championship will be decided.”
Where do you think Orlando Pirates will finish the season?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
