Orlando Pirates are expected to intensify their chase of Darrel Matsheke's signature as part of the plans to strengthen their midfield, sources have revealed.
It was reported by the Siya crew in December last year that the former Kaizer Chiefs midfield strongman has caught the attention of the Buccaneers with his impressive performances for Stellenbosch FC this season.
Following the termination of his contract at Naturena at the end of last season, Matsheke came close to taking a step back to sign in the second tier before Stellenbosch came knocking for his services, as he says in his interview with Soccer Laduma (see page 12).
The move to the Winelands outfit has paid dividends for the 25-year-old as he has made notable progress with nine appearances in all competitions thus far, having scored a goal and bagged an assist as the revival of his career continues.
The ex-Moroka Swallows player has also bagged a winners' medal with the Carling Knockout Cup that Stellies won last month. According to close sources, Bucs have identified the Amakhosi development product as a possible replacement for Makhehleni Makhaula, whose future has been increasingly in doubt as his contract with the Houghton-based side is nearing an end.
"Pirates are interested in Darrel Matsheke and he is a player that the club has been closely following," said a source.
"There are a few changes that are likely to take place at the club and central midfield is one of the positions likely to be affected, and that's' where the name of Matsheke comes in," the source added.
Matsheke is nearing the end of the short-term deal he signed with Stellies in October, but the club has the plans to exercise their one-year option on the deal as he is still in coach Steve Barker's plans. It remains to be seen if the club will be keen to listen to offers for one of their star players.
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