According to widespread local reports, Orlando Pirates are closing in on one of their marquee transfer targets. The Buccaneers have reached out to Polokwane City to finalise a deal for Thabang Matuludi, a 27-year-old defender with two caps for Bafana Bafana. This is not the first time Pirates have attempted to lure Matuludi; their efforts were foiled last season. However, a source has indicated that negotiations are now at an advanced stage and Matuludi is expected to be a Pirates player next season. He also retains an outside shot of making Bafana’s final 2026 World Cup squad.
Patience is wearing thin for a long-awaited league title in Soweto. After Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a 3-2 defeat at TS Galaxy, the path has opened for Pirates to end their drought. The Brazilians finish the campaign on 68 points, while Pirates sit on 65 points with two games to play. Four more points from their remaining fixtures would guarantee a first league crown since 2012. Even three points might be enough, provided Pirates do not lose by more than seven goals in the other fixture.
Pirates currently boast a commanding goal difference of +44, compared to Sundowns’ +36, giving them significant leeway. The Buccaneers will not be entertaining the idea of a heavy defeat; their three league losses this term have all come by a single goal. Sea Robbers fans must wait until the 23rd of May for the title to be officially wrapped up. Next up is a home clash with Durban City on Saturday, 16 May, where victory would take them one giant step closer to ending a 13-year championship wait.