Orlando Pirates’ interest in Fiston Kalala Mayele remains firm despite the recent departure of head coach Jose Riveiro, sources close to the club have confirmed.
The Congolese striker, who is currently on the books of Pyramids FC in Egypt, has long been on the radar of top PSL sides, including Pirates and their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
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But insiders have made it clear that Riveiro’s exit will not alter the Buccaneers’ plans regarding the player.
Having previously made his mark in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and now Egypt, the 30-year-old is said to be open to a move to South Africa as the next chapter in his career.
With the 2024/25 season wrapping up and the transfer window approaching, his name is once again resurfacing among Mzansi’s elite clubs.
“Fiston Mayele is a top striker, and the Pirates coach’s (Riveiro) departure from the club doesn’t change that. The club is interested in the player, that I can assure you of, having seen him closely when he played against them, and we all know what he did. There could be a push for his signature in this transfer window, and that cannot be ruled out,” said a source.
Pirates were given a close-up view of Mayele during CAF competition encounters, and his physical presence, sharp finishing, and ability to influence big matches have kept him on their shortlist of attacking targets.
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The club's technical team and scouting department remain aligned on reinforcing the forward line, and Mayele ticks all the right boxes.
With Chiefs also previously linked with the burly marksman, the upcoming transfer window could see another Soweto Derby off the pitch, as both clubs look to bolster their strike force.
