With an aging defensive leader approaching the latter stages of his career, one of South Africa's biggest clubs is reportedly looking to secure a promising young talent as part of their succession planning in a key position.
The Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates are currently weighing their options for defensive reinforcement, and appear to have identified a standout performer from a coastal PSL outfit as their preferred target.
Insiders close to Pirates have indicated that the club is believed to be interested and have been monitoring Richards Bay left back Nkosikhona Ndaba with a possibility of bringing him on board for next season.
"It's believed that the scouts and recruiters are the ones who identified him as the right replacement and cover for Innocent Maela. They apparently believe that Ndaba could do a great job if he can join the club. So, at the moment it's mainly from Orlando Pirates' point of view. They have been monitoring him. At the moment the deal is as good as done and it's believed to be to be a three-year deal. They are set to go with him on their pre-season tour to Germany," the source told Soccer Laduma.
Meanwhile a second source stated that as much as the scouts and recruiters are recommending different players to the club, they will also wait for the new coach to add his input.
"There are several players, both from the DDC team and others from different teams who have been identified and recommended by the scouts but it will all go down to the new coach and his preferences as well. So most of the incoming and outgoing players will be decided during the pre-season unless the deal has already been concluded because apparently there are players like those. So, yes they are monitoring Nkosi Ndaba from Richards Bay and the club is interested in signing him," the second insider stated.
The 22-year-old was promoted from The Natal Rich Boyz's DDC team during the 2022/23 season but it has been the current season where he became a regular for the team, featuring in most Betway Premiership games.
Soccer Laduma contacted Richards Bay chairman Sfiso "Jomo" Biyela who could neither deny nor confirm the deal.
"Not anything that I know but maybe they are wishing for that. I don't know," Biyela told Soccer Laduma.
This potential acquisition may reflect Pirates' forward-thinking approach to squad building as they prepare for the inevitable transition away from Maela's leadership. Ndaba's age profile fits perfectly with the club's apparent strategy of blending experienced campaigners with emerging talent.
As Pirates enter a new coaching era, this signing could be one of several moves designed to build a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts next season.
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