FOUR high-profile players on the verge of Orlando Pirates exit

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Orlando Pirates, who remain on course for the quadruple after Nedbank Cup triumph over Marumo Gallants last weekend, will have to adjust to life without Jose Riveiro next season.

After months of speculation, the Spaniard confirmed he would be leaving the club at the end of the season, closing the chapter on his illustrious three-year career in Soweto.

Riveiro could be one of several high-profile individuals leaving Mayfair this season.

Europe comes calling

Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Patrick Maswanganyi and Monnapule Saleng are all linked with moves abroad.

The latter hasn’t featured in a matchday squad since December 7 amid salary demands Orlando Pirates were unwilling to match. The 27-year-old, however, has been spotted in successive training sessions for the first time in four months but failed to make the cut, prompting speculation of an offseason move.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates phenom Mofokeng has a myriad of foreign suitors after his services. Egyptian giants Zamalek had a R25.8 million bid rejected earlier this year.

Mabasa and Maswanganyi are both gaining European traction. According to reports, Championship side Sunderland is monitoring the 28-year-old striker, while the reigning PSL Player of the Year’s attention stems from former club U.D. Oliveirense.

Mabasa interest confirmed

“It’s the same club [Sunderland] interested in another Pirates player, Thalente Mbatha. It’s believed that when the scouts came to look at Mbatha they were also happy with Mabasa, and they had to assess him further in other games and apparently they were happy and they have enquired about him. So, Sunderland are the club interested in Tshegofatso Mabasa,” SoccerLaduma stated.