Orlando Pirates were expected to beat arch rivals Kaizer Chiefsto Thabang Matuludifrom Polokwane Cityin this January window.
Pirates and Chiefs have been linked with a few players this window and now have the chance to sign them.
Hot amongst those players is Polokwane duo Oswin Appollis and Matuludi. Both players were also linked to Pirates’ arch rivals Chiefs in the previous transfer window. But, it had been widely reported that the Buccaneers hadn’t only stolen a march but were close to a deal. It was been said that the transfer will be part cash as well as part player exchange.
Matuludi injury rules him out of Pirates move?
The first conversation was that a Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo was going to be the player sacrificed. The goal posts were then shifted to Zakhele Lepasa heading to Polokwane to allow Matuludi to sign for Pirates. A source close to the Buccaneers then denied that both players would be leaving the club. That cast the deal into further doubt.
Now according to Soccer-Laduma, the latest developments could spell the end of Matuludi to Pirates. This after the right-back suffered a serious knee injury!
“Each and every passing day things are taking a different direction concerning the deal. You remember at first we spoke about City being interested in Katlego Otladisa and could not get him and then Pirates are believed to have offered Phillip Ndlondlo instead? And things stalled a bit. And now, Thabang Matuludi is injured. They can’t conclude the deal now because Matuludi is injured. This changes all the dynamics of the negotiations. So, at the moment we don’t see the deal happening,” said the source to the same publication.
Renewed hope for Chiefs?
Although terrible news for Matuludi and Pirates, this could prove to be a blessing in disguise for Chiefs. They could look to re-strategies their approach for the player in the close season window and try again to sign him. This especially since there is uncertainty surrounding the future of current right-back Reeve Frosler at the club.
Pirates fans how detrimental is the news about Matuludi’s injury? Chiefs fans would you be happy with getting another opportunity to sign him in the close window? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings in the comments below.
