Orlando Pirates have already signed nine players ahead of the pre-season but could number 10 be incoming?
Pirates will fly to Spain for a third time in a row and will have plenty of new faces aboard.
Nine signings already in the bag for Pirates
On Tuesday they announced the signing of former Mamelodi Sundowns star Sipho Mbule. The playmaker joins Pirates as free agent after being released by the Brazilians. The eight others being Kabelo Kgositsile, Masindi Nemtajela, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Tshepo Mashiloane, Sihle Nduli, Tshepang Moremi, Sinoxolo Kwayiba and Yanela Mbuthuma. The Sea Robbers are set to begin their pre-season on the 7th of July and all of those players are expected to be there.
While those players are signed and sealed Buccaneers, there is, however, reportedly an additional face who will join them. According to African football journalist Micky Jnr, Pirates are set to seal the deal for Malian star Abdoulaye Mariko!
Mariko to be number 10?
“🚨 Orlando Pirates are set to sign highly rated Djoliba AC midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko (20). 🇲🇱⚫⚪
The Malian star, who played 7 CAF Champions League games last season, was named Best Evolutionary Player at the recent Mali Football Awards.
He departs for South Africa today.
Big talent!” Wrote Micky Jnr on his official Instagram account.
Later on, Micky subsequently provided an update of Mariko at the airport, ready to fly out to South Africa to complete the deal. If he does, he will be signing number TEN for Pirates.
Pictured at the airport, heading to SA?
“Abdoulaye Mariko spotted at the airport as he heads to South Africa to complete his move to Orlando Pirates.” Wrote Micky additionally.
Good move for Buccaneers?
At just 20, there certainly seems to be bags of potential for Mariko and he could maximise it at Pirates should he sign. Buccaneers would you welcome this signing? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
