Following their pre-season training camp in Spain, news reaching the Siya crew is that Orlando Pirates are planning to loan out a midfielder.
Siya sources have indicated that Siphelo Baloni is looking for more game time and experience away from Pirates.
The sources add that this decision comes as a strategic move by the technical team, who believe that a loan spell could be beneficial for Baloni's development due to their crowded midfield.
"You see in the position he is playing there are a number of players he has to compete with including Thalente Mbatha, Makhehlene Makhaula, Miguel Timm, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and others as well," said the Siya source.
"So, they feel they have to give him game time and experience by loaning him out. Yes, last season he played a few games and the technical team feel things didn't go well for him hence the need for a loan move this season," the source added.
The process of finding a suitable team for Baloni is still underway, with the club actively seeking potential suitors, explained a second insider.
"Now, it's time to look at the available suitors. Of course, he won't be short of suitors as he is a very good, young midfielder who can play in any other team. It's just that the competition at Pirates right now is very tough and tight and he needs the chance to gain that experience. But as for the team, I can't say where he will be going for now," the second source stated.
Baloni, 24, joined Pirates from All Stars in the Motsepe Foundation Championship before the club was sold to Black Leopards in June 2023 with a three-year deal lasting until June 2026.
His performance last season at Pirates saw him participating in nine PSL games without recording a goal or assist. Though, he did participate in many cup matches and Baloni eventually scored in the Nedbank Cup, playing 17 games in all competitions.
Soccer Laduma contacted Pirates for comment but the club had not responded by the time this report was published.
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