Despite the expectation that Orlando Pirates would be signing Bathusi Aubaas from TS Galaxy as part of their plans to assemble a formidable squad for the 2023/24 season, the move is now highly unlikely, according to sources in the know!
On Tuesday, the Buccaneers announced the arrival of former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Lesedi Kapinga, who becomes the club's fifth new signing of the campaign after Patrick Maswanganyi, Katlego Otladisa, Melusi Buthelezi and Siphelo Baloni, all four players who were part of the team's pre-season camp in Spain recently.
In addition, Dondol Stars have announced that goalkeeper Sphamandla Gumede has penned a deal with the Houghton-based side. While Pirates had been keen to also add Aubaas to the squad, sources have revealed that the club is scared off by the asking price from his current employers.
Having recently sold Given Msimango to Kaizer Chiefs for atransfer fee believed to be in the region of R6 million, the Rockets are said to have been looking for around the same amount for the 28-year-old, who did well last season, making 26 appearances in the league.
However, Bucs are believed to have been willing to pay less than that for the Bafana Bafana international.
"The move to Pirates for Bathusi Aubaas is now highly unlikely. There was interest, but money seems to be an issue as Galaxy are valuing the player highly and are pricing him high. He is valued in the same way as Msimango, who has signed for Chiefs," said a source.
Aubaas is contracted to the Mpumalanga-based side until 2025, having signed a contract extension around this time last year.
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