Revealed: Why Orlando Pirates didn’t sign City star in January

Orlando Pirates were strongly linked with a Polokwane City star for much of the transfer window.

And now, more details have surfaced regarding why the defender didn’t join the Buccaneers.

Jose Riveiro’s side are expected to challenge for the Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup and CAF Champions League over the next three months.

Orlando Pirates surprisingly didn’t sign any new players in the January transfer window. And now, an explanation has since been revealed why Thabang Matuludi didn’t join the club.

Why Matuludi didn’t join Orlando Pirates

Polokwane City full-back Thabang Matuludi was closely linked with a move to Mayfair.

The talented defender however suffered a serious knee injury in January, forcing Orlando Pirates to abandon signing him!

“Football is like that, and injuries are part of the game. Unfortunately for him, he got injured at the wrong time, so that’s why nothing happened.” an insider told Citizen.

“He’s a talented player, and I’m sure the Soweto teams will come back again for him ahead of next season. What’s important is for him to recover after surgery and get back on the pitch as soon as possible.”

Jose on January transfer window blank

After signing no new players in the January transfer window, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro explained his stance on the matter.

“From my perspective, what I can tell you is, we have 37 players in the squad right now; quality and experienced, and good conditions in every position,” Jose Riveiro told members of the media.

“And, as usual, our obligation as a club is to keep one eye on the market in each and every transfer window. But the fact that this time it didn’t happen, it doesn’t mean that it won’t happen in the future, of course, or that Orlando Pirates are not doing our job.

“So far the 37 players we have are the ones that must take us to the place where we want to be at the end of the season, and that’s it.”

Which player did you want Pirates to sign?

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