Orlando Pirates Close to Signing Bafana Bafana Star Ahead of Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns

• Orlando Pirates are reportedly close to signing a South African international ahead of Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns
• The Soweto-based club have shown interest in the Bafana Bafana since last summer, but faces stiff competition from PSL rivals
• Reports are claiming that the Sea Robbers are in discussion with the player's team, and are close to finalising the transfer

Orlando Pirates are believed to have stepped up their pursuit of Polokwane City defender Thabang Matuludi, with reports suggesting the Sea Robbers have submitted an official bid for the Bafana Bafana full-back.

According to sources, the Buccaneers have already presented a serious proposal for the in-demand defender, and negotiations could be wrapped up before the end of the campaign. The 27-year-old has also emerged as a transfer target for both Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Sundowns were previously linked with Matuludi during the previous transfer period, but Polokwane City turned down their attempt to sign the defender.

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Sundowns and Pirates would both be participating in the CAF Champions League next season and are both working on adding quality players to their squads ahead of the forthcoming campaign. Kaizer Chiefs would also be playing continental football next season, which is why they are also in the transfer market.

Pirates pushing to finalise deal

Pirates now appear to be leading the race for the talented right-back, with discussions between the two clubs said to be progressing well.

“Talks have reached an advanced stage, and Matuludi is likely to join Pirates next season,” a source reportedly told KickOff.

The highly-rated South African international has once again delivered strong performances for Polokwane City this season. During the 2025/26 campaign, he has featured in 25 matches and scored twice.

The Rise and Shine and the Soweto-based clubs are not new to doing transfer business together. Last summer, the Sea Robbers signed Oswin Appollis from the club, and he is set to lead them to their first league title after waiting for over a decade.

Defensive boost for the Buccaneers

Matuludi remains one of the PSL’s most highly regarded right-backs and is also among the players tipped for future Bafana Bafana selections ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

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At present, Pirates have Thabiso Lebitso and Deano van Rooyen as right-back options, although coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has relied more heavily on Lebitso this season.

Matuludi joining the Buccaneers next summer would be a boost to their defence next season and also add quality to their squad ahead of the CAF Champions League next campaign.

Meanwhile, Pirates are also reportedly edging closer to completing the signing of Siyanda Ndlovu from Golden Arrows, with Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns also interested in the South African forward.

Pirates duo doubtful for World Cup

Briefly News earlier reported that Bafana Bafana are set to be hit with a major blow ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

The South African men's national team could be without two Orlando Pirates players for the global football competition due to injury.

Source: Briefly News