Orlando Pirates have emerged as the front-runners to sign South African defender Thabang Matuludi, overtaking their Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the race for the Polokwane City right-back. The two giants of South African football are no strangers to competing for high-profile signings, and it appears that this time, Pirates may be ahead due to their recent success both on and off the field.
Reports suggest that the Buccaneers have already engaged in discussions with Polokwane City about Matuludi’s potential transfer and are formulating a deal to secure his signature. The 24-year-old defender is highly regarded for his solid performances in the Premier Soccer League, and both Pirates and Chiefs have been monitoring his progress closely.
Kaizer Chiefs were reportedly the first club to show interest in Matuludi last summer, and they had a genuine opportunity to bring him to Naturena. However, the deal fell through as they were unable to finalize the transfer before the window closed, leaving the door open for other clubs to swoop in. Now, according to Soccer Laduma, Pirates are in a prime position to secure the defender, with their chances of landing Matuludi higher than those of their rivals.
“As things stand, Pirates have a better chance of signing Matuludi compared to other clubs, including Kaizer Chiefs, who had previously shown interest in the player,” an insider revealed. “The likelihood of the Bucs completing this deal is now very high.”
Pirates’ success in the transfer market, particularly in comparison to Kaizer Chiefs’ recent struggles, has given them an edge in negotiations. With Kaizer Chiefs still searching for consistency in their squad, Pirates are capitalizing on their strong current form to strengthen their defensive options, and it looks like Matuludi could be a key addition to their squad in the upcoming transfer window.
The competition between these two clubs for top talent remains fierce, and this latest development adds another chapter to the ongoing rivalry. Fans of both teams will be eagerly watching as the transfer window approaches to see where Matuludi’s future lies.
