Pirates tracking Manula?

Orlando Pirates added a number of players to their squad last week, as the transfer window closed shut, including goalkeeper Sipho Chaine from Chippa United

The 25-year-old put pen to paper on a three-year deal, beefing up the Buccaneers’ keeper department, though indications are that the club is still planning for the future.

According to well-placed sources, the Soweto giants are monitoring Tanzanian shot-stopper Aishi Manula.

Richard Ofori has cemented his place as coach Jose Riveiro’s number one, with Siyabonga Mpontshane and Kopano Thuntsane, and now Chaine, expected to challenge and play back-up for the Ghanaian.

But Bucs are already planning for next year. According to sources, Manula is being monitored, and if he impresses in the coming months, they could table an offer at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

The 27-year-old has been impressive for Tanzanian giants Simba SC, having contributed immensely to the team’s league dominance since joining in 2017 from Azam FC.

Current Pirates goalkeeper coach Tyron Damons worked with Manula in his previous role at Simba and is said to be an admirer of the player, and could welcome the opportunity of the two of them working together again.

If the Houghton-based side do formally approach Simba, an offer will need to be tabled for the keeper as he is contracted to Simba until 2025, following the three-year extension he signed in June this year.