Orlando Pirates are believed to be ready to go into the market for yet another striker in the off-season.
Pirates are believed to already be closing in on DRC striker Andy Boyeli but that doesn’t seem to be enough.
They’re also believed to be in the race for Ivorian striker Freddy Michael Kouablan, with archrivals Kaizer Chiefs. The club was already active in the recently concluded January transfer window. The likes of Thabiso Lebitso and Talent Mbatha were roped in by Pirates, who then saw Bienvenu Eva Nga released. Then perhaps, the biggest outgoing was that of club stalwart Thembinkosi Lorch. The playmaker shocked the local football fraternity by securing a deadline-day move to rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.
Just last week, it was rumoured that they’re monitoring veteran Swati goal machine Sabelo Ndzinisa and Tremaine Eastmond. Now according to Soccer-Laduma, Pirates have also shown interest in Young Africans (Yanga) star Stephane Azizi Ki.
Pirates have been keeping an eye on Aziz Ki
“It’s not that they (Pirates) started monitoring him (Aziz Ki) when they came to South Africa. They had been looking at him even before that. They even sent scouts to Tanzania during other games as well as the Mamelodi Sundowns game. For them they say they need such a player who can help them going forward together with players like Patrick (Maswanganyi) and Rele Mofokeng. So for now they have shown interest and let’s see what happens,” said the source.
The source went further to suggest that Pirates have even gone as far as offering Aziz Ki a pre-contract.
Pre-contract offered?
“It’s because they (Pirates) are convinced and happy with what they have seen that they have offered (Aziz Ki) a pre-season contract. If all goes well the move should be for three years plus a one-year option. But for now it’s still in the early stages but the interest is there and it’s big,” concluded the source.
It now remains to be seen if Pirates can pull off the signing of Aziz Ki ahead of next season.