There is no surprise here. Orlando Pirates require talent with continental experience if the Betway Premiership giants have ambitions to win the CAF Champions League (CAFCL) next term.
The club known as the Buccaneers is expected to repeat last season’s deep run in Africa, which saw them reach the semifinals of the CAFCL.
According to reports from West Africa, Orlando Pirates have set their sights on Al Hilal’s 19-year-old winger Adama Coulibaly.
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According to AfricaFoot, the Buccaneers and Tunisian giants Esperance have tabled offers to sign the Mali international. Portuguese giants Benfica are also said to be keen.
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“Espérance Sportive de Tunis, the Tunisian league leader and a renowned African club, recently made an offer of €650,000, along with certain guarantees, according to the latest information from Africafoot,” the outlet reported.
ORLANDO PIRATES OFFER
“Meanwhile, second-placed Orlando Pirates Football Club in the South African league also made an offer of around €600,000, according to our sources.”
Coulibaly joined the Sudanese powerhouse in 2024 from AS Bakaridjan in his homeland and is contracted to Hilal until 2029.
According to Premier Soccer League (PSL) foreign quota, clubs are permitted to register no more than five internationals.
Orlando Pirates’ foreign quota status:
- Olisa Ndah (Nigerian)
- Karim Kimvuidi (Congolese)
- Gilberto (Angolan)
- Abdoulaye Mariko (Malian)
- Available.
*Namibian international Deon Hotto is registered as a local after playing for over five years in Mzansi.
It is worth noting that Gilberto is linked with an exit after making just 12 appearances before his January loan move to Petro de Luanda.
Additionally, Ndah and Kimvuidi face uncertain futures amid rumours of moving abroad.
The Buccaneers are also linked with another Mali international: Sadio Kounate.
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