Orlando Pirates must negotiate a few hurdles if they want to pull off a move for Rulani Mokwena. They’ve also extended a key player’s deal.
A deal for Rulani is difficult, but not impossible
Outgoing Orlando Pirates boss Jose Riveiro earns roughly half of what Rulani takes home with Wydad AC. Mokwena is unlikely to ease his wage demands, so Pirates would have to significantly increase that number on their balance sheet to secure the 38-year-old tactician’s signature. How can they secure those funds?
Xoki pens a new deal with Orlando Pirates
27-year-old Tapeolo Xoki has been an important member of the Pirates defensive unit this season. Although not always the first choice, his experience as a backup option has been invaluable, especially in the Caf Champions League quarter-finals against MC Alger when Jose Riveiro fielded a back three and he started both of those clashes. Xoki operated alongside the usual first-choice central defensive pairing of Nkosinathi Sibisi and Mbekezeli Mbokazi in those outings.
Caf Champions League payday
The eventual winners of this season’s Caf Champions League will take home $4 million (R75 million). That number has grown from $2.5 million in 2022. Orlando Pirates must negotiate a tough second-leg semi-final clash in Egypt against Pyramids after a hard-fought 0-0 draw in the first leg. If they advance to the final, either Mamelodi Sundowns or defending champions Al Ahly await them.
Foster returns to the promised land
Burnley have won promotion to the promised land of the Premier League after guaranteeing a top-two finish in the 2024-2025 Championship table with two games to spare. Lyle Foster made 27 appearances under new boss Scott Parker with two goals and five assists. This was the ultimate response to relegation heartbreak in 2023-2024 when they finished 19th with 24 points.
Will Pirates battle their way to the Champions League final?
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