As the hunt for new players ahead of the new season intensifies, a COSAFA Cup star has emerged as a prime target for both Soweto giants, setting up a potential transfer battle for his signature.
An insider with connections across Southern African football circles has indicated that the two Soweto giants have been monitoring an Angolan forward who was a shining star during the recent COSAFA Cup competition for Angola.
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The insiders with access to both clubs' scouting operations added that Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are both eyeing Angolan forward Laurindo Depu Aurelio, who was recently crowned the 2025 COSAFA Cup top goalscorer with eight goals.
"What I can tell you is that both teams had their scouts there. The scouts were all happy with what they saw in Depu and they enquired about him. Apparently Chiefs wanted their defender Inacio Miguel to help them talk to the player and his representatives. And Pirates also believed to be willing to talk to the player. They have their different reasons but apparently the scouts from both clubs are happy with what they saw," the insider told the Siya crew.
A specialist with knowledge of Chiefs' continental scouting network stated that Chiefs are looking at Depu as a replacement option for Feisal Salum, who it seems they won't get this season.
"Apparently Kaizer Chiefs don't want to dwell much on Feisal Salum if the price is still that high and will now consider Depu. But the problem is Depu is now based in Portugal and it could also be another challenge. However it's believed that they want to use Inacio Miguel to bring Depu to Naturena. So let's wait and see," the second source told Soccer Laduma.
The 25-year-old is currently on the books of Gil Vicente in Portugal but spent last season on loan at Serbian side FK Vojvodina.
He has many Angola national team caps with many goals to his name. During the recent COSAFA Cup competition, he scored eight goals with two of those coming against South Africa in the final which Angola won 3-0.
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Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs and Pirates for comment but there was no response at the time of publishing this story.
The emerging Soweto race for Aurelio's signature highlights both clubs' drive to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season. For Chiefs, the Angolan represents a potentially more attainable target than Salum, while also bringing proven goalscoring credentials at international level.
Pirates' interest suggests they too recognise the value of adding a forward who demonstrated his clinical finishing ability on South African soil. The Portuguese connection could complicate negotiations, but Aurelio's COSAFA Cup heroics may have convinced both clubs that he can adapt quickly to PSL football.
