Pirates make moves in the international break

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Orlando Pirates worked behind the scenes while club soccer subsided to World Cup qualifying in March.

According to FC MUZA’s chief executive officer, Joel Kabika, the Buccaneers invited Zambian forward Andrew Phiri for a ten-day trial as they ramp up efforts for the upcoming winter window.

Phiri is one of many forwards the Soweto giants are monitoring, suggesting their transfer priorities be in attack.

“They already seem to have tied down the boy from Baroka [Kgositsile], but we know they also want a forward for some reason despite having Tshegofatso [Mabasa] and [Evidence] Makgopa,” a source confirmed.

“Andrew Phiri is one of the many strikers they are currently looking at. He is not that old and comes from Zambia.”

Squad revamp

Orlando Pirates are preparing to offload several players in the coming months, including club captain Innocent Maela.

“So far, the four players [Maela, Phillip Ndlondlo, Karim Kimvuidi and Zakhele Lepasa] are on the list and are expected to leave at the end of the season,” a source revealed.

“What I can tell you for now, apparently, is that it’s believed these four players could be the ones to leave. The club is working with all the involved parties to look at the way forward so that they can reach an amicable solution where it is needed.”

Congolese youngster Karim Kimvuidi is perhaps the most surprising name on the list. The highly-rated midfielder has struggled to solidify a starting role with three league appearances to his name. A loan would make the most sense, but Orlando Pirates think otherwise.