Breaking News: Orlando Pirates’ head coach has just released three players that he intends to sign.

KAIZER CHIEFS HAVE SOME MARKED TARGETS
According to X rumours, Nasreddine Nabi would like to work alongside Bafana Bafana players Oswin Appollis and Elias Mokwana at Naturena. Meanwhile, a surprising name has arisen in the form of Golden Arrows attacker Lungelo Nguse. The 25-year-old scored six goals in 24 league appearances last season.

Iqraam Rayners, the ever-impressive Stellenbosch star, scored 15 league goals last season and is now a consistent national team player. Meanwhile,Lebo Mothiba Lebo Mothiba’s six-year contract with Strasbourg has expired. Soccer-Laduma says negotiations between Mothiba’s representation and the Kaizer Chiefs are progressing well; the player was even spotted at Naturena. Mothiba has 14 caps for South Africa and four goals, but his last appearance came in October 2023.

WHERE ARE THE ORLANDO PIRATES’ WEAKNESSES, AND WHO SHOULD SIGN?
Pirates already have quality center strikers in Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa, but new widemen may be on the agenda with some upcoming departures. The Pirates technical team cannot ignore Monnapule Saleng’s decline in 2023-2024 following a spectacular 2022-2023 season. At his best, he’s an excellent match-winner, but we haven’t seen enough of that lately. If a huge offer comes in, this could be the time to cash in on the wide man.

If Deon Hotto also quits, the team will lose valuable experience and prominent figures. A guy like Rayners may fill the vacuum that Saleng may leave in wide areas, and he can also play central striker. That adaptability is invaluable. Fawaaz Basadien, the Chiefs’ left-back target, could be a suitable substitute for Hotto. The aforementioned Mokwana would deliver absolute width and Bafana Bafana star qualities.

WHAT IS THE IDEAL FORMATION FOR SEA ROBBERS?

A 3-4-1-2 formation would allow Jose Riveiro to use three of his superb central defenders, as the Buccaneers are stacked in that position. Having the likes of Thabiso Sesane and Tapelo Xoki on the bench is a luxury that he would enjoy if the club were to sign SuperSport’s Kegan Johannes. This formation would include the incredibly gifted Relebohile Mofokeng as a number 10, behind two center strikers with vastly distinct skill sets. A dream move for Grant Margeman would give the Bucs’ center midfield partnership a dynamic and youthful look, while Kabelo Dlamini and experienced hardman Makhehlene Makhaula could come off the bench. How about Patrick Maswanganyi? There are so many tactical possibilities and permutations.