Orlando Pirates hope to redeem themselves after their 1-0 defeat to Stellenbosch FC, ending their historic opening seven-game win streak.
But that’s not their only problem – several key players could soon leave.
Europe isn’t shying away from South African prospects, suggesting a change in the tide for the nation’s talent pool, which, before Bafana Bafana’s AFCON 2024 semi-final run, had struggled to make an impact in African soccer for decades.
Key players on the move?
Headed by Spanish tactician, Jose Riverio, the Orlando Pirates are co-league leaders with reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who are hoping to win their eighth successive PSL.
While no Buccaneer wants to leave in January – as they look to end their thirteen-year league drought – it seems it could be a different story once the season concludes.
Patrick Maswanganyi, Relehobile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota and Monnapule Saleng are each attracting European attention:
- “It’s Standard Liege that have shown interest [in Saleng]. Actually, last season, they were also interested in Mohau Nkota while Monaco SC were interested in Saleng. So, now it is believed that the Standard Liege scouts are looking at Saleng since Nkota has not been playing much since his promotion”, SoccerLaduma confirmed.
- “I can tell you now Tito [Maswanganyi] is ready for Europe. Even himself as a player, he really wants to play there. You know if Pirates can allow him to go then it won’t benefit only Pirates from the sale but also the player himself and the country. He could have stayed longer in Portugal, but he was impatient that time. He can still go now and make it big. He is ready for Europe,” said Farouk Khan.
- “There have been enquiries from Barcelona on Relebohile Mofokeng,” a Siya source confirmed. “He is a player with potential to play in some of the top leagues in Europe and the feedback has been positive on the enquires made.”
Who do you think will leave Orlando Pirates?
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