Orlando Pirates are sitting pretty in the Betway Premiership, six points behind Mamelodi Sundowns but with a game in hand.
Continentally, they are sound, too, claiming the top position of Group C to qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals – life couldn’t get much better for the Buccaneers faithful.
However, such success rarely goes unnoticed, especially in soccer.
From Europe to Africa, Asia to the Americas, there’s an unfathomable number of scouts, teams, and coaches looking for the next best thing – Orlando Pirates could soon find that out the hard way.
Interest abroad
In the last few years, Europe’s PSL interest has been unprecedented, with the likes of Barcelona, Monaco, UD Oliveirense, RB Salzburg, Standard Liege and Glasgow Rangers monitoring numerous South African players.
Relehobile Mofokeng, Monnapule Saleng, Patrick Maswanganyi and Mohau Nkota are each gaining international interest and could soon be tempted by the big leagues.
Saleng is reportedly unhappy with the Pirates’ reluctance to negotiate with Monaco and Standard Liege.
Losing several stars would supposedly dampen Orlando Pirates’ progress. They have come so far to be within reach of Sundowns after finishing 23 points adrift last season and 16 the campaign before.
However, selling such talent would mean more money in the bank, allowing the Buccaneers to do some buying of their own, but it’s hard to emulate homegrown talent like Mofokeng and Nkota, who are steeped in Soweto pride.
The connection with fans, the motivation to win, is heightened when it is one of your own.
Maswanganyi negotiations
Maswanganyi’s eagerness to return to Europe has been well documented.
The reigning PSL Player of the Year spent much of his youth at UD Oliveirense, and now the former club wants him back.
“It’s no longer just about an inquiry, it’s about negotiations now,” a Siya source confirmed.
“They really want him back in Portugal. They are looking at the progress he has made and they are happy to bring him back to Portugal. It will all depend on what Pirates are looking at or if UD Oliveirense can afford what Pirates will be asking for Maswanganyi.
“The only issue that is there now is the R40 million that the club has put on Maswanganyi’s head. You know he is one of the best players now in the country and if the club wants that amount then UD Oliveirense should meet or make it even better than that. But since they are believed to have opened up negotiations then it will all depend on their offer that they table to Pirates.”
Who should Orlando Pirates try keep?
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