Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have reportedly taken the lead in the race for Bafana Bafana defender Thabang Matuludi.
The Buccaneers and Masandawana are said to be leading the pursuit of the Polokwane City and Bafana Bafana right-back.
This latest news suggests that Kaizer Chiefs have fallen behind in the race for one of the Betway Premiership’s most highly rated defenders.
TRANSFER REPORT: PIRATES AND SUNDOWNS MAKE OFFERS
The 27-year-old has attracted widespread interest following another impressive campaign for Rise and Shine.
Initially, transfer reports suggested Kaizer Chiefs were the first club to identify Matuludi as a potential target.
However, the latest developments indicate the battle is now between the Bucs and The Brazilians.
According to KickOff, both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have submitted offers for the Bafana Bafana defender and are awaiting Polokwane City chairman Johnny Mogaladi’s decision.
The publication further claims that Polokwane City have accepted Matuludi’s departure is likely and are now weighing up which proposal represents the better overall package for both the club and the player.
“The boss wants a little bit of space to choose the right offer for both the player and the club,” the insider stated.
“He has agreed to sell the player and he is expected to leave the club,” he added.
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If those reports prove accurate, it would represent a significant setback for Kaizer Chiefs.
However, it appears these reports may have been based on heresay. Either that, or they changed their minds.
According to Transfermarkt, Matuludi is currently valued at just under R23 million.
To be linked with the PSL’s ‘big three’ speaks volumes in and of itself.
Now, it appears he may have the option to choose between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Another factor working in favour of a transfer is Matuludi’s contract situation.
He reportedly has just one year remaining on his current deal. So, Polokwane City could look to cash in now rather than risk losing him for nothing when he becomes eligible to negotiate with other clubs.
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs will turn their attention to recruiting attackers.
Head coach Fernando Da Cruz recently stated that Amakhosi are in the market for a new striker, wingers and an attacking midfielder.
SHOULD THABANG MATULUDI JOIN ORLANDO PIRATES OR MAMELODI SUNDOWNS?
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