Orlando Pirates could include their defender on a swap deal

The planned changes at Orlando Pirates in preparation for next season could affect one of the experienced members of the squad.

As part of the potential changes at the Soweto giants at the end of the season, the team is expected to reinforce the defence, with the centre-back position being one of the areas of concern for the club.



In 29 matches in their DStv Premiership campaign, the Buccaneers have conceded 26 goals and that is one of the concerns for the club going into the off-season.

The CAF Confederation Cup finalists have been linked with AmaZulu defenders Tapelo Xoki and Keegan Allan from AmaZulu and the University of Pretoria respectively, among other players, as reported by the Siya crew.

As reported in edition 1275 of Soccer Laduma, Xoki is likely to join Bucs in a swap deal with Gabadinho Mhango who has emerged as a target for Amazulu, while Allan’s name has made it into Pirates’ wish-list after his impressive performances in Tuks’ promotion-chasing campaign.

According to sources, the player most likely to be affected by the planned defensive changes is former Bidvest Wits and Bafana captain Thulani Hlatshwayo.

Throughout the 2021/22 season, Hlatshwayo has struggled for regualr game time as the likes of Olisa Ndah, Happy Jele and Ntsikelelo Nyauza have been preferred ahead of him under co-coaches Mandla Ncikazi and Fadlu Davids.

Hlatshwayo has made only 10 league appearances this season. The 32-year-old will be left with one year on his contract, having penned a three-year deal when he joined in 2020.

Golden Arrows is one of the clubs that the player had been linked with, as Pirates have had their sights on Nkosinathi Sibisi in what could be a potential swap deal if the two clubs decide to engage in formal talks.