There is plenty happening around Orlando Pirates, with transfer speculation, a returning Bafana Bafana star and an intriguing financial dispute making headlines.
Oswin Appollis continues to attract interest from an unnamed club, while Mohau Nkota has returned to South Africa on loan after a difficult spell in the Saudi Pro League.
Away from the playing squad, former Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is also reportedly waiting on a multi-million-rand payment from AS Vita.
Here is the latest Pirates news.
Appollis attracts fresh transfer interest
Oswin Appollis could still leave Orlando Pirates before the transfer window closes.
The Bafana Bafana winger has reportedly attracted an attractive offer from an unnamed club, with Pirates now considering whether the proposal is good enough to part ways with one of their key attacking players.
Appollis enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, featuring in all 30 Betway Premiership matches and contributing nine goals and six assists.
His strong start to the current campaign has only increased his value. The 25-year-old has already registered two goals and two assists in five appearances this term.
However, Pirates are unlikely to sell cheaply. With the transfer window closing on 21 September, interested clubs may need to meet a substantial asking price to prise Appollis away from the Buccaneers.
Mohau Nkota returns to Pirates
Mohau Nkota is back in South Africa and will look to rebuild his confidence after a challenging spell in the Saudi Pro League.
The 21-year-old made 21 league appearances last season but managed only two goals and three assists.
His return gives Orlando Pirates another exciting attacking option, but it could also create a selection dilemma for the coaching staff.
Nkota will compete with Tshepang Moremi and Appollis for regular minutes in the wide attacking positions.
With only two players likely to start consistently, the battle for places could become one of the most interesting selection contests at Pirates this season.
Will Nkota immediately force his way into the starting XI, or will Pirates stick with the players who have already established themselves?
Ouaddou waiting on multi-million-rand claim
Former Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is also involved in a separate financial matter.
The Moroccan coach is reportedly waiting for a multi-million-rand claim from his former club AS Vita, whom he coached in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2024.
The payment is reportedly dependent on the conclusion of internal proceedings and the subsequent closure of the DR Congo transfer window.
Pirates turn attention to CAF Champions League
On the pitch, Orlando Pirates’ immediate focus is on continental football.
The Buccaneers drew 0-0 with La Cure Waves FC in the first leg of their CAF Champions League qualifying tie on Monday.
The decisive second leg is scheduled for 12 September, with Pirates needing a positive result to progress in the competition.
The club will then have a lengthy wait before returning to Betway Premiership action.
Pirates fans, who should start?
With Nkota back in the squad and Appollis attracting transfer interest, Pirates have an interesting attacking selection puzzle on their hands.
Should Mohau Nkota walk straight into the starting XI, or should Orlando Pirates stick with their current attacking combination?
