Orlando Pirates currently sit in second place on the PSL standings, trailing reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns by just three points. However, the January transfer window has been relatively quiet for the Buccaneers, with more players linked to potential exits than new arrivals.
Monnapule Saleng, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Karim Kimvuidi are all reportedly on the move, with speculation swirling about their futures at the club. While these departures could be on the horizon, there has been some good news for the Pirates as well.
One key player who is staying put is Nkosinathi Sibisi. The 29-year-old defender, who hails from Durban, has had his contract extended for another year. This decision ensures that Sibisi, a seasoned campaigner with 192 PSL appearances to his name—112 for Golden Arrows and 80 for Orlando Pirates—will continue to contribute to the team. Additionally, Sibisi has earned 4 caps for Bafana Bafana, adding valuable international experience to his resume.
In terms of new signings, Orlando Pirates’ pursuit of Polokwane City’s star player, Oswin Appollis, seems to have stalled. The 23-year-old midfielder, who has been attracting interest from both Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, looks likely to remain at Polokwane until at least the end of the season.
Reports suggest that Polokwane City is hesitant to let Appollis go without securing a suitable replacement, and with the transfer window closing soon, time is running out for both PSL giants to make a move. Another challenge is the steep price tag attached to the player, which has made negotiations more difficult.
“It won’t be easy for them [Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates] in January,” KickOff confirmed. “A deal in January leaves the club with little time to find a replacement, which makes it even more complicated. If it’s a local transfer, then that’s another hurdle. But in football, anything can happen—it would just be a huge fee for him now.”