Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are both looking to strengthen their squads for the second half of the season.
Chiefs and Pirates are both looking to attack the market for different reasons as their seasons exhibit contrasting fortunes.
In the current window, it was reported that Chiefs and Pirates were competing for at least three players. Oswin Appollis, Thabang Matuludiof Polokwane City and Fawaaz Basadien of Stellenbosch FC. A couple of Windows ago, the two Soweto giants were also battling for the signature of another Stellies star.
Sundowns beat Chiefs and Pirates to Mendieta
Both Chiefs and Pirates were reported to have a long-standing interest in Junior Mendieta, before he joined Mamelodi Sundowns. The Masandawana management came in and paid his release clause. It was thought to be R12 million. Things didn’t quite go according to plan for him at Chloorkop, however, and he left after one season. He joined Greek Super Leagueclub Volos NFC in a surprise move.
Now according to Sportswire, Mendieta has left Volos and that could put both Chiefs and Pirates on alert.
“Former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Junior Mendieta is set for a premature exit at Greek Super League club Volos NFC six months after his arrival. The Argentine ace will now be free to sign for any team of his choice. Mendieta is part of a mass exodus at Volos, with the club set to part ways with a staggering 22 players, including off-season signings. In preparation for the ongoing campaign, the Volos-based side brought in 23 players in the last transfer window. Meanwhile, a return to South Africa is not completely ruled out as there was a reported interest from Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs before the player moved to Chloorkop on the back of standout performances for Stellies.” Wrote the publication.
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This publication reported today that Chiefs are closing in on a deal for Thembinkosi Lorch. So it remains to be seen if they have any interest in bringing back Mendieta. Pirates recently offloaded Gilberto back to Petro de Luanda on loan. Could that open up a gap for the Argentine?
Should Mendieta come back to South Africa, should either Chiefs or Pirates try sign him? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings in the comments below.
