Orlando Pirates have been heavily linked with former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile since he became a free agent earlier this off-season.
The 32-year-old Namibian remains the biggest free agent on the South African market, with both Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs reportedly monitoring his situation ahead of the new campaign.
The Buccaneers are currently in Spain for their pre-season tour, but questions remain over their striking department.
At present, Boitumelo Radiopane, Yanela Mbuthuma and Evidence Makgopa are the club’s recognised senior strikers.
Orlando Pirates eyeing Shalulile
While all three have shown promise, none has consistently delivered the goals expected from a leading striker at a club challenging for major honours. As a result, Pirates could still enter the transfer market for one or even two forwards before the season begins.
Shalulile would represent an ideal addition for Pirates given their lack of scoring from their forwards.
Having spent the past decade in South African football, the experienced forward has proven himself as one of the PSL’s most prolific goalscorers.
Despite being 32, he still appears capable of performing at the highest level for at least another two or three seasons.
A move to Mayfair would also give him the opportunity to continue competing for major trophies after lifting 12 titles during his highly successful spell in the Premier Soccer League.
Shalulile’s record speaks for itself. He has scored 136 goals in 313 appearances across all PSL competitions, making him one of the most feared strikers of the modern era. His movement, relentless work rate and clinical finishing would add a different dimension to Pirates’ attack.
If a move to either Pirates or Chiefs fails to materialise, an overseas switch appears increasingly likely for Shalulile.
The Namibian international has reportedly attracted interest from clubs in Tanzania, including Young Africans (Yanga SC) and Simba SC, while teams in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Middle East are also believed to be monitoring his availability.
