Today’s Orlando Pirates transfer rumours look at a move for a former Kaizer Chiefs product and a secret from Mduduzi Shabalala.
Orlando Pirates to recall ‘Nasri’
18-year-old Thabo Mphaki, on loan at Wits, is nicknamed ‘Nasri’ for his flair that’s reminiscent of former Arsenal and France playmaker Samir Nasri. This is according to Soccer Laduma.
“Thabo Mphaki has recently attracted interest from Sekhukhune United, TS Galaxy, and Orbit College FC. His form at Wits has been hard to ignore,” an inside source revealed.
“He’s matured a lot since his days at Chiefs development, and Pirates could decide it’s time to integrate him into the senior setup,” the source added.
“Mphaki is one of the most promising players in the Pirates system right now,” a source said.
Mdu wasn’t always a Glamour Boy
21-year-old Kaizer Chiefs attacker Mduduzi Shabalala revealed he grew up supporting Orlando Pirates but says now he will “die a Chiefs fan”. The young attacker has become a key operator Chiefs in the 2024-2025 campaign, appearing 25 times in the league, with four goals and an assist.
‘Mdu’, as he is affectionately known, worshipped Thembinkosi Lorch when growing up in an all-Pirates household. With Lorch having moved on to Sundowns, there’s space in the fixture for another star to make a name for himself in South Africa’s premier club fixture.
Shabalala recalls the first Soweto Derby he attended in “about 2019 or 2020, where Chiefs were leading 1-0 and Lorch equalised after a pass from Ben Motshwari”.
Derby Day Double-Header on the horizon
These sworn Soweto Derby rivals meet in the Betway Premiership on Saturday, 03 May at 15:00. They meet again the following Saturday, 10 May in the Nedbank Cup final. That match also kicks off at 15:00. It’s crunch time!
Rulani with some reverse psychology?
In the latest developments between Rulani Mokwena and Wydad AC, the former Sundowns boss has hinted that his current employers deserve a better coach.
“It’s up to the president, I already said at the end of the season, I will leave. So, that’s the situation,” he told the media.
Who will take the spoils on Derby Day?
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