Orlando Pirates are close to signing Baroka duo Tshepo Mashiloane and Kabelo Kgositsile.

Both players impressed Pirates management, particularly Kgositsile, during their Nedbank Cup round of 16 match at Orlando Stadium last month.

They worked effectively in tandem on the right flank, with Kgositsile in an advanced attacking role and Mashiloane in a more withdrawn right-back position, despite Baroka losing the match 3-1 in Soweto.

Kgositsile was promoted to the Baroka first team at the start of the 2021/22 season when the club was in the Betway Premiership, although he did not feature as Baroka was relegated.

He has since played in 77 matches across all competitions, scoring nine goals. Mashiloane, who wears jersey number 4, was promoted by Baroka in the following season, 2022/23, in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

According to Sportswire sources, both players are expected to join Pirates at the end of the season. Baroka has become a frequent source of players for Pirates, with previous signings including Evidence Makgopa, Goodman Mosele, Collins Makgaka, Donald Mokondelela, Thabiso Kutumela, and Gift Motupa.

It remains to be seen whether these players, if signed by the Soweto Giants, will be coached by Jose Riveiro. Riveiro’s contract expires at the end of the season. Since his arrival in June 2022, he has won multiple trophies.

Rumors suggest he is likely to leave at the end of the season and will not renew his contract with the Mayfair club. Riveiro has faced challenges during his three seasons in South Africa, being away from his family. This was acknowledged by the club when they thanked him after winning the MTN8 for a record third consecutive time last October.