Orlando Pirates are reportedly on the verge of beating their arch rivals Kaizer Chiefsto two major signings in January.
Pirates and Chiefs were both credited with an interest in Polokwane City duo Oswin Appollis and Thabang Matuludi.
Pirates set to beat Chiefs to Appollis and Matuludi
This month, this publication reported that Pirates were on the verge of sealing the deal for the duo. This would be a blow to Chiefs bosses and fans, with the club not hiding their admiration for the players. Amakhosi sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jnrwent on radio to confirm talks for Appollis. He also went on to confirm that he wasn’t the only player they were looking at from Polokwane. At the time, rumours were also rife that Matuludi was a target of the club.
It now seems as if their archrivals Pirates have beaten Chiefs to the duo. Now according to Soccer-Ladumathe double deal is set to cost R15 million.
R15m and a player in exchange
“The deal is as good as done at the moment. It’s expected to be R15 million for both players plus Pirates are expected to give a player to Polokwane City to finalise the deal. The way things are going at the moment both Appollis and Matuludi are expected to be part of Pirates. Though, yes, there are a few loose ends which need to be finalised but it’s as good as done,” said the source.
Pirates seem to have had one advantage over Chiefs, a player in exchange that Polokwane want. That looks to have dragged the price down considerably for Appollis and Matuludi. It seems though they will have to negotiate for a new player as their previous target Katlego Otladisais elsewhere.
New player the hold up?
“You remember City were interested in Otladisa? That’s the player who could have been involved in the exchange of the two from Polokwane City plus the R15m but now that Otladisa is going to Sekhukhune United things took a new twist and that’s what they are working on. Polokwane City want a player who will fit their needs and style of play as they are losing a winger in Appollis and that’s why they wanted Otladisa who is also a winger. So, as soon as that is sorted out then the move will be completed,” said a second source to the same publication.
Pirates fans how do you feel about the signings of Matuludi and Appollis? Chiefs fans, how big of a blow is it to miss out on the duo? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings in the comments below.
