Orlando Pirates could be in a tricky situation in their pursuit of one of the top defenders in the DStv Premiership during the January transfer window.
After signing veteran striker Ndumiso Mabena and versatile former Cape Town City player Craig Martin in December, the Buccaneers are expected to further strengthen the squad for the second half of the season, as confirmed by sources in the know.
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According to sources, AmaZulu defender Abbubaker Mobara has become the latest player to attract interest from Bucs.
Mobara previously played for Bucs although his spell with the Soweto giants between 2016 and 2019 wasn't the best for him due to lack of game time.
So far this season at Usuthu, the 28-year-old versatile player has made 14 appearances in all competitions and mostly from the centre-back position and has been impressive with his performances.
With Pirates bringing back some of the experienced stars who previously played for them – as seen with the returns of Kermit Erasmus and Mabena – Mobara is also earmarked for a possible return to Orlando though sources have indicated that there could be reluctance from AmaZulu in releasing the Cape Town-born player.
"There is interest in AmaZulu's Abbubaker Mobara from Pirates but it's a tricky one because the player is valued highly at AmaZulu and is in the plans of the coach (Romain Folz). In fact, the coach doesn't want to lose him," said the source.
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"But you know how these things work and if Pirates make a good offer anything can happen. The truth of the matter is that big clubs like Pirates will always have an edge over some of their opponents in the league in these things because of the involvement of money which make the transfers possible," the source added.