Orlando Pirates have already seen two players leave the club during this transfer window as they focus on restructuring their squad for the 2025 season. While there have been some rumours about potential signings, it is the departures that have taken center stage so far.
Even before January, Pirates confirmed the exits of versatile player Sandile Mthethwa and forward Katlego Otladisa. Both players had often been sidelined, with their appearances in coach Jose Riveiro’s matchday squads few and far between. Their lack of game time at Orlando Stadium made it unsurprising when the club decided to let them go.
Mthethwa, who was released on a free transfer, has already joined AmaZulu FC. Otladisa, on the other hand, was loaned to Sekhukhune United for the remainder of the season. After playing a few matches for Babina Noko, the 29-year-old forward has impressed the club, and according to Soccer-Laduma, Sekhukhune are now interested in making the move permanent.
Sekhukhune United’s interest in Otladisa is not new. Before his move to Pirates, the club had made inquiries about signing him when he was still at Marumo Gallants. However, the move didn’t materialize at the time, and Otladisa ended up joining Orlando Pirates instead. Now, with the player excelling at Sekhukhune, the club is eager to negotiate a permanent deal at the end of the season.
A source close to the situation revealed, “It’s not the first time Sekhukhune has shown interest in Katlego. They were keen on him even before he joined Pirates. Now, they want to make the loan move permanent, but it will depend on negotiations between the two clubs. His contract at Pirates runs until June 2026, meaning Sekhukhune will need to buy him out if they want him permanently.”
Another source added that Otladisa is also keen on making the move permanent. “Sometimes money isn’t everything for a player. While it’s important, you can’t enjoy it if you’re not playing regularly. Katlego would prefer to have consistent game time, and he’s not sure if he’ll get that at Pirates when he returns next season. Ultimately, it’s up to Pirates, as he’s still under contract with them,” the source explained.
With Otladisa set to turn 30 this year, he faces an important decision about his future. Should he prioritize regular game time and move permanently to Sekhukhune, even if it means sacrificing a higher salary? Or should he go back to Pirates and fight for a place in the first team?
The next few months will determine his career path. What do you think? Should Otladisa choose regular football or stay at Pirates and chase his dream? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
