Orlando Pirates appear to have finally won the race for highly-rated young attacking midfielder Karim Kimvuidi – announcing an agreement with his relegated parent club Maritzburg United last week.
The Siya crew had reported of interest elsewhere for the player, particularly in the USA, with Major League Soccer teams keen. But the Buccaneers moved swiftly to convince the Team of Choice to sell to them instead, with only personal terms outstanding.
According to sources, the Soweto giants are understood to be preparing a long-term contract thought to be around five years. Kimvuidi is understood to have preferred Pirates over trying his luck abroad for now, and his transfer to Gauteng is now imminent. The Houghton-based side usually offer the standard three-year deal, but on occasion what they put on the table is longer, depending on the circumstances.
Due to Kimvuidi still being a bright prospect, it's believed the Buccaneers want him for the long-term and the deal should go through after the finer details are ironed out. The DRC youth international joined Maritzburg from Motema Pembe in his native country, but after just one season he'd already become subject of speculation over his future at the end of the campaign.
With the Team of Choice getting relegated, it then became inevitable that they would be forced to sell. The creative attacker made 34 appearances last season, including playing in the four matches during the play-offs to try help the Midlands outfit in their last attempt to avoid the drop.
How big a signing is Kimvuidi to turn Pirates into PSL title contenders? Share your views in the comments section below!
