Larsen would 'love' to retain the services of Pirates midfielder

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates midfielder Gladwin Shitolo is top of the transfer wish list for Golden Arrows coach Clinton Larsen after his starring role for the club last season.

The 26-year-old made 28 appearances while on loan at Abafana Bes'thende, scoring four goals - the most by any midfielder and the second highest total overall at the club.

Other players Larsen wants to hang on to are attacker Andile Fikizolo from SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns striker Rodney Ramagalela, who also enjoyed successful loan spells at the club last season.

"Fikizolo and Shitolo are two players we would love to keep," Larsen told Vodacom Soccer. "It's going to be tough because they were so good for us this past season.

"Ramagalela is another that would interest us, but again it's difficult and we'll only know once they speak to their clubs."

But the Orlando Pirates man is the one Larsen is the most desperate to keep hold of.

"Shitolo especially I would say has been one of the best players for us this past season," the Arrows boss explained.

"He's been regular in the team and has been one of the most consistent performers this season. We're doing everything in our power to keep him.

"Hopefully our chairlady (Mato Madlala) can bring them on board full-time, even though I understand it will be difficult."