Orlando Pirates will need to carefully consider mammoth offers in winter as big clubs flock to sign their best players.
Maswanganyi could return to Portugal
According to Soccer Laduma, Portuguese second-tier side UD Oliveirense are interested in bringing Patrick Maswanganyi back to the club. Negotiations have commenced over a massive R40 million deal.
“It’s no longer just about an inquiry. It’s about negotiations now,” a source told the outlet. “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 Orlando Pirates will be asking for Maswanganyi.
Orlando Pirates give up on Gilberto
According to The Citizen, Pirates are willing to sell Angolan winger Gilberto. The former Petro de Luanda man failed to make the grade in the Buccaneers’ starting XI with youngster Mohau Nkota emerging at exactly the wrong time for the left-footed winger. Gilberto is currently out on loan with his former club but isn’t likely to play for the Sea Robbers again.
Caf Champions League action beckons
Meanwhile, Pirates will be quietly confident they can stamp their ticket into the Champions League semi-finals. They face Algerian side MC Alger over two legs in the quarter-finals. The first leg takes place on Tuesday 01 April at 21:00. Alger are currently in charge of the Algerian Ligue 1 with a seven-point lead at the summit after 20 league outings.
Will Pirates be able to keep hold of Maswanganyi, Mofokeng and co?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
