Orlando Pirates, gearing up for their return to African competition next season, are actively seeking to strengthen their forward line and are now linked to a new striker, the Siya crew has been informed.
Among the names being considered, Mamelodi Sundowns striker Etiosa Ighodaro, currently impressing on loan at SuperSport United, has emerged as a target for the Buccaneers.
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Siya sources close to the Houghton-based club have indicated that Pirates are closely monitoring Ighodaro's situation, especially given the interest from European clubs, including Belgium's Club Brugge.
"Pirates are watching the situation attentively because they are interested in the striker. Yes, Kaizer Chiefs showed interest last season when he was at Chippa United but nothing came up and Sundowns loaned him to SuperSport. But now Pirates have made inquiries as they are looking at an experienced striker who knows the DStv Premiership very well and they are looking at Ighodaro right now," the Siya source stated.
The pursuit of Ighodaro comes as Pirates contemplate the potential departure of two or three strikers at the season's end, making the addition of a proven goal-scorer a priority, according to a second Siya source.
"You know Pirates could release two or three strikers at the end of the season and that's why they are looking at bringing on other strikers including that of Sundowns' Nigerian striker who is on loan at SuperSport United. He has done very well if you consider that injuries disturbed him and also last season at Chippa. Pirates want a striker like him to complement the ones who will remain at the club as they prepare for Africa and as well as to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the league title next season," the second source told Soccer Laduma.
At just 22 years of age, Ighodaro has already made a significant impact in the Premiership. During his loan spell at SuperSport, he has scored five goals and provided two assists in 23 PSL appearances. In six Caf Confederation Cup games, he had scored three goals. Ighodaro's previous season at Chippa United was even more prolific, with 10 goals in 24 league games, narrowly missing out on the top goalscorer title.
Pirates' interest in Ighodaro underscores their ambition to build a squad capable of competing on all fronts, both domestically and in continental competitions.
With Sundowns also keen on securing Ighodaro's future, the coming weeks could see a transfer battle unfold, as Pirates look to bolster their attacking options with the Nigerian striker's prowess.
Soccer Laduma contacted Pirates for comment but the club had not responded by the time this story was published.
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