Orlando Pirates have reportedly sealed a deal for a new striker who was also wanted by rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
Pirates have been in the market for more firepower and after weeks of speculation, they have found their man, following reports that they have signed Richards Bay forward Yanela Mbuthuma.
The transfer comes as a surprise after Mbuthuma signed a new five-year contract with the Natal Rich Boyz just last month but it appears that was a ploy to keep his value high so that suitors pay a premium for him.
A contract extension has not deterred Pirates as they still went to the negotiation table with Richards Bay and according to SABC, a deal between the two clubs for the highly-rated 23-year-old has been reached and he will now swap Kwazulu-Natal for Gauteng starting next season.
What are Pirates getting from Mbuthuma?
Mbuthuma scored six goals in 27 matches last season, including five in the league, and will be a great addition to the squad, providing competition to Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa, who are the club’s preferred strikers.
The news comes two weeks after the striker addressed the links to both Chiefs and Pirates during the international break.
“I don’t pay attention to that a lot because I play to entertain people, not because I wanna impress big teams. For now, that’s not in my mind. I’m still okay at Richards Bay so I can just prove myself even more,” he told the media early this month.
Mbuthuma was initially identified by Richards Bay at the first Khabba Cup tournament in Umlazi in 2023 becoming a regular at the Jomo Biyela-owned club, contributing 10 goals and eight assists in 83 appearances across all competitions.
