Pirates could loan fringe players

Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates are considering loaning a number of their fringe players to newly promoted, Golden Arrows, and the list could include goalkeeper Philani Zikalala and Lehlohonolo Masalesa, while Khethokwakhe Masuku is another possibility.

A source close to the development told Sport24 that the Arrows’ chairperson, Mato Madlala, has been in Johannesburg discussing possible transfers to the newly promoted side.

“Their negotiations include a number of Pirates players that have struggled for game time last season and in the case of Zikalala is even worse because Pirates recently signed a new goalkeeper,” the source said.

Brighton Mhlongo is the first-choice goalkeeper at Pirates while there is also Siyabonga Mpontshane and Equatorial Guinea’s Felipe Ovono recently signed by the Soweto giants.

The source said it is also going to be difficult for Masalesa to see game time as the club has also added Gift Mutupa to their squad.

“In the case of Masalesa, Roger De Sa has tried to lure him to Ajax Cape Town without success and they might also launch their bid again.”

Pirates and Arrows have had a good relationship when it comes to exchanging of players which have seen players like Siyabonga Sangweni join Bucs from the KZN side.