Orlando Pirates have already been one of the busiest clubs in the transfer market, but the Buccaneers could still make further moves before the window closes, with Thabang Matuludi and Emile Witbooi reportedly among the players on their radar.
Pirates have strengthened their squad with nine new signings ahead of the new season, but the Soweto giants may not be finished yet.
Two names generating plenty of transfer discussion are Polokwane City defender Thabang Matuludi and highly rated Cape Town City teenager Emile Witbooi.
Matuludi remains a Pirates target
Matuludi continues to be linked with a move to Orlando Pirates, with the Bafana Bafana international regarded as an attractive option to strengthen the club’s defensive department.
The right-back has yet to feature for Polokwane City this season, adding further intrigue to speculation surrounding his future.
Matuludi was also part of the South African squad at the recent FIFA World Cup, making his current situation at club level one to watch closely.
With the transfer window still open, it remains unclear whether the defender will eventually make the move to Pirates or continue his career with Rise and Shine.
Pirates face competition for Witbooi
Another exciting name linked with the Buccaneers is Emile Witbooi, the teenage attacker who has emerged as one of South African football’s promising young talents.
However, Pirates may have work to do if they want to secure his signature.
According to reports from iDiski Times, Orlando Pirates have not yet submitted an official offer for the Cape Town City youngster.
The Citizens are reportedly demanding around €1 million, equivalent to approximately R18 million-R20 million, for the 19-year-old.
That asking price follows a strong campaign in which Witbooi was named the Motsepe Foundation Championship Players’ Player of the Season, having played a key role in Cape Town City’s promotion push.
Cape Town City already rejected European interest
Pirates aren’t the only club keeping an eye on Witbooi.
Reports indicate that Polish side Górnik Zabrze, owned by former Germany and Bayern Munich star Lukas Podolski, previously made an offer of approximately €800,000 (around R15 million) for the teenager.
Cape Town City reportedly rejected the bid and maintained their valuation of approximately €1 million.
That could make negotiations particularly challenging for Pirates, especially with European clubs also believed to be monitoring the talented youngster.
For Cape Town City, holding on to Witbooi could also prove valuable as they look to build momentum following their promotion campaign.
Could Pirates make two more signings?
The Buccaneers have already undergone significant squad changes during the transfer window, but the potential arrivals of Matuludi and Witbooi would add even more quality and depth.
Matuludi would provide defensive strength and international experience, while Witbooi would represent an investment in one of the country’s exciting young attacking talents.
However, with Cape Town City’s asking price reportedly sitting between R18 million and R20 million, Pirates may have to decide whether the teenage attacker’s potential justifies the investment.
For now, neither player has completed a move to Orlando Pirates, meaning the coming days could be crucial.
Will the Buccaneers make another big splash before the transfer window closes?
