Orlando Pirates Transfer News: Sundowns to beat Bucs for star's signature?

Mamelodi Sundowns are set to beat Orlando Pirates to the services of a highly rated star.

Recently, the Brazilians snatched former Polokwane City defender Thabang Matuludi from the Soweto giants’ noses. Siyanda Ndlovu had also initially changed his mind about signing for the Sea Robbers in favour of the Miguel Cardoso-led team.

Siyanda Ndlovu of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates his goal. Image: Mamelodi Sundowns

Recent reports now indicate that Masandawana are close to bringing on board Bucs-linked AmaZulu defender Wandile Dube to further strengthen their backline.

Despite making just 10 appearances for Usuthu in the 2025/26 campaign, the 22-year-old had done enough to attract big Premier Soccer League teams like the defending champions and Sundowns.

What are the reports saying?

“Mamelodi Sundowns are closing in on the signing of highly rated AmaZulu FC defender Wandile Dube,” FARPost reported.

“Pirates showed firm interest in Dube and held talks with the KZN outfit about a potential transfer. But Sundowns, the current African champions, have since stepped up their pursuit and appear to have made significant progress towards concluding a deal with Usuthu.

“Although the move is not yet finalised, indications are that talks between the parties have advanced, with the transfer potentially being completed before Monday’s deadline day.

“Dube is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents to emerge at AmaZulu. He has previously earned praise from Usuthu coach Arthur Zwane,” they concluded.

Sundowns’ transfer window so far

In their bid to reclaim the PSL crown from Bucs, Masandawana have let fringe players leave and made some interesting additions.

They have signed Antonio van Wyk (SV Ried, Austria), Siyanda Ndlovu (Golden Arrows), Ricardo Goss (return from Loan), Cassius Mailula, Deano van Rooyen and Thabang Matuludi.

Antonio van Wyk celebrates his goal for Mamelodi Sundowns. Image: Mamelodi Sundowns

Masandawana parted ways with Peter Shalulile (Released), Jayden Adams (Deceased), Terrence Mashego (Stellenbosch, Loan), Thapelo Maseko (FC Copenhagen, Denmark), Thato Sibiya (Lille, France), Miguel Reisinho (Released), and Jody February (Siwelele FC).

Pirates’ transfer window so far

Bucs have been busy as well in ensuring their squad remain competitive both domestically and abroad.

Pirates brought in Mthetheleli Mthiyane (Stellenbosch FC), Sbangani Zulu (Richards Bay), Bohale Ngwato (Siwelele) Ghampani Lungu (Siwelele), Neo Rapoo (Siwelele), Aphiwe Baliti (Siwelele) & Matome Mmolai (Leicesterford City), Sebastian Pedersen (Sogndal Fotball, Norway) Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq, Saudi – Loan) and Bheki Mabuza (Marumo Gallants).

Relebohile Mofokeng: Image - Orlando Pirates — Relebohile Mofokeng: Image – Orlando Pirates

The Sea Robbers opted to do without Relebohile Mofokeng (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise), Gilberto, Karim Kimvuidi, Thabiso Lebitso (Stellenbosch), Tshegofatso Mabasa, Sipho Mbule, Bandile Shandu, Gomolemo Khoto (Sekhukhune United), Siyabonga Ndlozi (Sekhukhune United), Tshepho Mashiloane (Sekhukhune United, Loan), Thabiso Sesane (Siwelele FC), Selaelo Rasebotja (Siwelele FC), Siyabonga Ndlozi (Sekhukhune United), Gomolemo Khoto (Sekhukhune United), Sonwabo Khumalo (Midlands), Blessing Ngiba (Midlands), Seth Green (Durban City), Melusi Buthelezi, Neo Mokoena (AmaZulu), Goodman Mosele (Chippa United), Deano van Rooyen (Released), Patrick Maswanganyi (Alkhaldiya Sports Club, Bahrain), Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants), and Abdoulaye Mariko (Marumo Gallants).