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Orlando Pirates transfer news: Saleng, Buthelezi, Matuludi
Orlando Pirates will be interested onlookers when Kaizer Chiefs face Sundowns on Saturday. They’ve also made progress on a transfer target.
Pirates cheer on Kaizer Chiefs
The Brazilians hold a commanding 12-point lead over their only credible challengers for the title, Orlando Pirates. The Buccaneers have three games in hand, but recent history suggests that Sundowns will have enough in the tank. This coming weekend, Pirates fans will temporarily wear their Chiefs hats and hope the Glamour Boys can take points off the runaway leaders. Kickoff between Sundowns and Chiefs is on Saturday 01 March at 15:30. Pirates need Sundowns to drop points at regular intervals in the next few rounds of action; they’d see now as a perfect time to start.
Buthelezi to extend his contract
According to Soccer-Laduma, Pirates will exercise their option to extend goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi’s deal by another year.
“Yes, the club (Pirates) is just making sure that they keep him (Buthelezi) longer and that everything is in order and that’s why they are believed to be exercising the one-year option on his contract. Of course, it is only expiring in June 2026 but they are apparently just making sure that he is contracted until June 2027 hence the move right now,”
Saleng to CHAN: Good or bad thing?
Recognition from one’s country can never be a bad thing. However, inclusion in a fringe Bafana squad of mostly emerging youngsters isn’t what Saleng needs right now. A player of the 26-year-old’s calibre should be operating at the highest level for South Africa and playing regularly in the Betway Premiership. The CHAN Qualifiers Bafana squad selected by Helman Mkhalele isn’t exactly a collection of household names, barring one or two. Saleng might enjoy a distraction from his issues at Pirates but this doesn’t solve the problem, it just elongates it.
Matuludi still prefers Pirates over Kaizer Chiefs
According to Soccer-Laduma, Thabang Matuludi almost joined Pirates in January before an injury meant the deal was dead in the water.
“He (Matuludi) has started his rehab. It has been earlier than we expected. The injury was very bad, and that he has started just a month after his injury, means things are going well for him. Yes, we believe he will be back before the end of the season. Even next month he can be back. He is progressing very well,” said their source.
“From what I know, what disturbed the move to Orlando Pirates was the injury he (Matuludi) picked up against SuperSport United in January. Pirates would apparently not sign an injured player and now that he is recovering then the move is believed to be back on the table probably for the next transfer window,” the second source said.
Will Saleng play again for the club?
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