Orlando Pirates might become victims of their success with several key superstars linked with exits as the MTN8 champions seek more silverware.
Orlando Pirates to entertain big offers
Saleng is sizzling
Orlando Pirates hope to command a massive fee for 26-year-old winger Monnapule Saleng, who has started 2024-2025 in sparkling form. Belgian Jupiter Pro League side Standard Liege are reported to be interested in the 2022-2023 PSL Player of the Season. This follows interest from France’s Ligue 1:
The Makgopa vs Mabasa debate
Tshegofatso Mabasa has been the clear favourite to lead the line for Pirates for the past season and a half. However, Evidence Makgopa was again preferred to the current Betway Premiership Golden Boot holder in Pirates’ starting XI against Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final. Mabasa seems to be Jose Riveiro’s pick for the league games while Makgopa is his go-to for big occasions and cup finals. It’s an interesting situation for the manager to juggle. Makgopa led the line for Bafana Bafana at Afcon 2023 but hasn’t been part of recent Afcon 2025 qualifiers. Instead, national team coach Hugo Broos has opted for Lyle Foster and Iqraam Rayners as his focal point strikers. He’s also selected an array of wide forwards to complement them.
Jose Riveiro might be forced to sell one of his number nines if a massive offer materializes.
Pirates want Bafana star Kwayiba
Jose Riveiro’s MTN8 winners will offer midfield duo Goodman Mosele and Siphelo Baloni as makeweights to sign Bafana Bafana and Chippa breakout star Sinoxolo Kwayiba. The 24-year-old recently featured off the bench for South Africa in Afcon qualifiers in a 5-0 win against Congo.
Pirates’ next seven fixtures
The Sea Robbers must wait to resume their quest to win the Betway Premiership next weekend. They’ve started with three wins from three, so the signs are good. Upcoming are three league fixtures on the bounce and then a tricky trip to Algeria where they could be on a collision course with former Cape Town City man Khanyisa Mayo. Caf Champions League holders Al Ahly visit Orlando Stadium in early December in a crunch group clash which you can’t miss.
- Magesi (H) – 19 October, 15:00 kickoff, Carling Knockout
- AmaZulu (H) – 25 October, 19:30 kickoff
- TS Galaxy (A) – 29 October, 19:30 kickoff
- Stellenbosch (H) – 10 November, 15:30 kickoff
- Belouizdad (A) – 26 November, kickoff time TBC
- Gallants (A) – 03 December, 19:30 kickoff
- Al Ahly (H) – 06 December, kickoff time TBC
How much are Saleng, Mabasa and Makgopa worth in today’s market?
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