Pirates target Ajax captain

Orlando Pirates are on an impressive spending spree as they target the PSL title in the new season and are on the brink of announcing their 10th new signing

Orlando Pirates may have signed nine new players in the last weeks, but are determined to continue strengthening their squad and are on the brink of announcing a deal for Ajax Cape Town skipper Mosa Lebusa, can exclusively reveal.

Officials have confirmed that Lebusa will added to the already impressive list of new signings as Buccaneers boss Irvin Khoza makes a firm statement of intent for the coming season.

While champions Mamelodi Sundowns have announced only one new signing so far - Bafana Bafana midfielder Andile Jali - and Kaizer Chiefs are still battling to find a new coach plus fresh players, Pirates have moved early to strengthen the squad ahead of their return from the off-season holidays this week.

has been told by top club officials that Lebusa will be the “final piece of the jigsaw puzzle”.

The announcement of his arrival is being delayed while Ajax await the outcome of their court bid to stay in the top flight.

The Cape Town club, nor the player, want to be seen to be off-loading if their demotion to the National First Division is confirmed.

Lebusa, who is originally from Welkom but came through the academy ranks at Ajax, would add to the attacking wing-backs that Pirates already have on their books as coach Milutin Sredojevich shows a preference for expansive, attacking play at a club with the ambition to win the league next season.

Lebusa is also on the brink of a more regular slot in the Bafana Bafana squad as the 2019 African Nations Cup qualifiers resume in September.

Runners-up this past season, Pirates are chasing not only domestic honours but also the African Champions League title. That campaign begins as early as November in a change of timing and will add pressure to an already busy calendar.

Bucs had goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo signed as far back as January on a pre-contract as his existing deal at bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs was coming to an end, as well as Vincent Pule, who Bidvest Wits could not persuade to extend his contract.

Pirates have also added Sundowns’ utility defender and midfielder Asavela Mbekile, Meshack Maphangule (Black Leopards), Ben Motshwari (Wits), Kuda Mahachi (Lamontville Golden Arrows) and the Chippa United trio of Abel Mabaso, Paseka Mako and Linda Mntambo to their squad in an impressive number of deals.