Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs look set to miss out on signing Bafana Bafana defender Vuyo Letlapa this summer, as the talented left-back appears ready to take his career overseas.
Both Soweto giants, along with Mamelodi Sundowns, have shown interest in securing the services of Letlapa, who has impressed this season with Sekhukhune United in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Pirates were once viewed as front-runners in the race for his signature, while Chiefs have been keeping tabs on him, especially with concerns over their left-back options should their primary target, Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch FC, fail to arrive.
Despite this local interest, sources close to the player suggest that Letlapa has turned down offers to stay within the PSL. Instead, he is poised to make a move to Europe, with French Ligue 1 club OGC Nice reportedly leading the pursuit.
According to insiders speaking to Soccer Laduma, OGC Nice is prepared to meet Sekhukhune United’s transfer demands — something the three PSL giants have been unable or unwilling to match. The European club is pushing to finalize the deal quickly before any renewed local bids can interfere.
“Several PSL clubs expressed interest, with Pirates initially seen as the favorites. However, it now looks like OGC Nice is in the driver’s seat and close to wrapping up the transfer,” the source revealed.
This development marks another significant step in Letlapa’s career, as he looks to challenge himself at a higher level abroad while leaving the South African top flight behind for now.
