The Siya crew can reveal that the transfer speculation linking Pyramids FC striker Fiston Mayele to Orlando Pirates is gaining serious momentum, with the player’s South African-based representatives now having formally reached out to the Soweto giants.
Following the initial reports in Soccer Laduma edition 1422 that Mayele could be offered to Pirates, the latest developments suggest that the move is no longer just speculation, but a possibility being actively pursued behind the scenes.
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Sources close to the negotiations have confirmed that preliminary contact has been made with the Buccaneers management to explore what it would take to bring the prolific Congolese marksman to the DStv Premiership ahead of the new season.
“There has been contact and although nothing is concrete at this stage, there is a possibility,” a well-placed source told the Siya crew.
“Mayele’s camp is testing the waters and trying to see if Pirates are willing to make a concrete move. Given the current situation, both in terms of Pirates’ need for a proven striker and Mayele’s availability, this could be a very real transfer possibility,” the source added.
The 30-year-old hitman made headlines recently when his brace against the Buccaneers knocked them out of the CAF Champions League, impressing the club’s technical team and hierarchy in the process.
That performance appears to have fast-tracked discussions about bringing him to Soweto.
As previously reported, Mayele’s price tag has dropped to around R10 million, a fee that is believed to be within reach for Pirates – especially with a possible squad reshuffle on the cards.
With growing interest from North African and Middle Eastern clubs also tracking the former Young Africans star, time could be a crucial factor for Pirates.
It's understood that while Kaizer Chiefs have previously been interested in the striker, Pirates now have a clearer path to secure his signature, if they choose to act.
Bucs have endured a stop-start campaign in front of goal, and insiders believe that Mayele fits the profile of the kind of lethal, experienced No. 9 they’ve been searching for.
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“It’s no secret that Pirates are in the market for a reliable goal-scorer,” the source added. “And after what Mayele did to them on the continental stage, it’s clear he could be that guy,” concluded the source.
With negotiations beginning to take shape, all eyes will now be on the Buccaneers to see if they make a formal offer – or risk losing out to rivals circling for Mayele’s signature.
Soccer Laduma has also reported how Pyramids FC will be trying their best to keep the player, as he has become a wanted man in Soweto.
