Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates beaten to R20 million Bafana Bafana star as a French club closes in.
The Soweto giants have reportedly been outmaneuvered in one of the most talked-about transfer chases in South African football. Rising star Vuyo Letlapa is on the verge of joining French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, leaving the Soweto giants empty-handed after weeks of pursuit.
Nice trumps local interest with bid
Letlapa, the 21-year-old left-back from Sekhukhune United, has been on the radar of both Chiefs and Pirates. But just as local fans anticipated a domestic blockbuster signing, OGC Nice entered the picture with a financial package South African clubs couldn’t match.
“There are local teams which have shown interest and Pirates were believed to be in the forefront to sign him, but apparently the French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice is the one leading now. They are very close to closing the deal. Remember we spoke about European interest before,” a source confirmed.
While Orlando Pirates reportedly led the charge, Kaizer Chiefs had also shown strong intent. Both clubs now face disappointment as the French side moves swiftly to finalize the deal.
R20 m and smart sell-on clause seal the deal
Sekhukhune United is playing hardball, demanding R20 million for the Bafana Bafana international, a fee too steep for local teams. The club is also including a smart 30% sell-on clause, ensuring long-term benefit from any future transfer.
“Yes, that’s what Sekhukhune United are looking at. R20m is what the price is believed to be for Vuyo (Letlapa). And just like they did with Elias Mokwana to Esperance de Tunis, they are including a 30% sell-on clause to the next club agreement on the deal,” the source added.
OGC Nice’s willingness to meet those terms leaves Chiefs and Pirates unable to keep pace.
Letlapa’s rise highlights local missed opportunities
Letlapa joined Sekhukhune from Jomo Cosmos only at the start of the season. Since then, he’s become a regular at Babina Noko and earned a Bafana Bafana call-up from coach Hugo Broos—making him one of the hottest defensive prospects in South African football.
Soweto giants left in the shadows again
This isn’t the first time Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have fallen short when European clubs come calling, and it likely won’t be the last. Despite their iconic status, the Soweto giants continue to lose top-tier local talent to wealthier, better-positioned foreign clubs.
If Letlapa’s move to OGC Nice goes through, it will be another painful reminder that financial firepower and forward-thinking negotiations are now key to landing South Africa’s brightest stars.
Stay tuned with The South African as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates beaten to R20m Bafana star.
Will Nice get their man, or will we see a late push by the Soweto giants?
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