Orlando Pirates appear to be closing in on an important signing, moving decisively to address a key defensive position following recent departures.
An insider with close knowledge of Bucs' workings in the transfer market and recruitment team have indicated how Pirates are close to the signing of left-back Nkosikhona Ndaba, who they are believed to have offered a long-term contract.
READ: High-Ranking Insider Pushes Pirates Toward Rulani
The insider added that the club is expected to be offering the 22-year-old Ndaba a five-year contract which would then run until June 2030.
"He should be a Pirates player and they are offering him a five-year contract from July this year until June 2030. It's a very good contract for a young defender like him. Remember he is only 22-years-old and has been doing very well for Richards Bay and it will be a loss to them but a win for Pirates," the insider told Soccer Laduma.
Meanwhile, a second insider with knowledge of Pirates' squad planning stated that Ndaba is a direct replacement for both Innocent Maela as well as Paseka Mako, two players who have been strongly linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs.
"They had been planning for Nkosikhona Ndaba for some time and that's why they were not worried when Maela retired and also releasing Mako. Ndaba is believed to be a direct replacement for them. He is still young and has a great future ahead of him and he will be learning a lot from the senior players," the second source told the Siya crew.
READ: Could Saleng Move To Chiefs: Pirates Update
Ndaba has been a regular for Richards Bay in the past two seasons, playing a high amount of games in this period.
The potential signing represents a significant investment in Pirates' defensive future, with a possible five-year deal indicating the club's confidence in Ndaba's talent.
Soccer Laduma has contacted Pirates for comment but the club had not responded by the time this report was published.
By securing a promising young player from Richards Bay, the Buccaneers would have addressed one of their most pressing squad needs following the departure of both experienced defenders. As they prepare for next season's continental and domestic campaigns, having a specialist left-back with PSL experience could prove crucial to their ambitions under whichever coach takes charge for the upcoming campaign.
