Orlando Pirates and Polokwane City are believed to be nearing an agreement involving a R15 million deal for the transfer of defender Thabang Matuludi and winger Oswin Appollis, along with a player from Bucs to finalise the transaction.
Insiders privy to information have indicated that the deal is close to being concluded, though a few details remain to be finalised, particularly regarding the player from Pirates expected to join Polokwane City.
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The Siya sources added that Polokwane still need to decide which player they want from Bucs as part of any potential agreement.
"The deal is as good as done at the moment. It is expected to be R15 million for both players plus Pirates are expected to give a player to Polokwane City to finalise the deal. The way things are going at the moment both Appollis and Matuludi are expected to be part of Orlando Pirates in January. Though, yes, there are a few loose ends which need to be finalised but it's as good as done," the Siya source stated.
A second insider noted that the decision on which player to send to Polokwane City in exchange has delayed the move. The problem is that, initially, City showed interest in Katlego Otladisa, who is now set to join Sekhukhune United on loan.
"You remember City were interested in Otladisa? That's the player who could have been involved in the exchange of the two from Polokwane City plus the R15m but now that Otladisa is going to Sekhukhune United things took a new twist and that's what they are working on. Polokwane City want a player who will fit their needs and style of play as they are losing a winger in Appollis and that's why they wanted Otladisa who is also a winger. So, as soon as that is sorted out then the move will be completed," the second source observed.
If Pirates successfully sign both Appollis and Matuludi, they will have outmaneuvered their rivals Kaizer Chiefs, who had also shown interest in the duo. However, financial constraints are understood to have posed challenges for Amakhosi.
Polokwane City's initial plans to send Appollis to Europe or North Africa did not materialise, placing Pirates in a favourable position to secure both players.
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Efforts to reach City Chief Operations Officer Tincy Tema for comment were unsuccessful at the time of preparing this story. As negotiations draw to a close, the potential signings of Appollis and Matuludi could enhance Bucs' squad depth and performance.
Soccer Laduma contacted Pirates for comment but no response was received by the time this report was published.
The negotiation of this deal not only highlights the club's strategic maneuvering in the transfer market but also marks a significant step in their ongoing quest to strengthen key positions ahead of the January transfer window.
