Pirates enquire about Petersen?

Orlando Pirates are believed to have made informal enquiries into the availability of Brandon Petersen, with Siya sources in the know indicating that the keeper is on a number of club’s wish lists.

Ajax Cape Town are at risk of losing the Bafana Bafana shot-stopper on a free next year. The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from the club due to the fact that he will see his contract with Ajax expire at the end of the current campaign.

Bidvest Wits are believed to be leading the race for his signature, though Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City have all been linked to his services.

Siya sources have now revealed that the Buccaneers have joined the race. According to the source, no talks have been initiated and there has only been enquiries into his availability, which suggests that Bucs may be keen on opening negotiations with the Urban Warriors in the upcoming January transfer window.

The Soweto giants currently have Wayne Sandilands, Siyabonga Mpontshane, Brilliant Khuzwayo and Jackson Mabokgwane on their books, and it seems as though they will be looking to reshuffle their goalkeeper department.

Pirates have made several changes to their last line of defence over the last few seasons, having seen the likes of Brighton Mhlongo, Mpontshane, Mabokgwane, Felipe Ovono and Sandilands all compete for the number one spot.

It seems that the club has struggled to find their number one goalkeeper ever since the passing of Senzo Meyiwa in 2014 as none of the aforementioned shot-stoppers have been able to cement their place as first choice goalkeeper for Bucs, despite Mpontshane having been the most regular out of the current crop this season.

Following Meyiwa’s passing, Mhlongo stepped in for the Bucs, becoming their number one goalkeeper for the rest of the 2014/15 and 2015/16 campaign when fit and Mpontshane stepping in when Mhlongo was sidelined with injury.

However, in the 2016/17 season, Mhlongo dramatically fell out of favour with Bucs, which saw Mpontshane and Mabokgwane, who was signed from Mpumalanga Black Aces at the time, rotated in between the posts.

In the current campaign, having still not found their number one shot-stopper, Mpontshane has made 15 appearances for Pirates so far this season, with Sandilands having made just one, Mabokgwane with four appearances and Khuzwayo yet to start due to his recovery from injury.