Ndlovu Edges Closer To Pirates move

Orlando Pirates appeared to have won the high-stakes bidding war against Mamelodi Sundowns to secure the signature of Golden Arrows winger Siyanda Ndlovu, Sportswire can reveal.

The Buccaneers have been tracking the explosive wide man for months. While Sportswire previously reported that Pirates aimed to lure both Ndlovu and midfield enforcer Isaac Cisse to Soweto, the club looks set to miss out on the Ivorian midfielder, who is reportedly closing in on a move to Belgium.

A Destructive Campaign in Durban

Ndlovu enjoyed a breakout season in Durban under former coach Manqoba Mngqithi, before Pitso Dladla took the reins at Abafana Bes’Thende a couple of days ago for next season.

The winger racked up 30 appearances across all competitions, anchoring Arrows’ march to a sixth-place finish in the Betway Premiership with an impressive return of four goals and eight assists.

His blistering early-season form completely dominated the PSL monthly accolades. Ndlovu swept consecutive Player of the Month awards for September and October, while also bagging the Goal of the Month award for a stunning solo effort against Stellenbosch FC on October 22.

Junior Dion Awol as Pirates Circle

In another major development, Sportswire has been informed that striker Junior Dion has failed to report for Golden Arrows’ pre-season training. Pirates remain heavily linked with the lethal Ivorian forward as a direct replacement for Tshegofatso Mabasa.

Arrows previously rejected a R5 million bid for Dion from UAE outfit Hatta Club, holding out for a valuation of upwards of R10 million, as this website revealed.

The Durban-to-Soweto Pipeline

Should both Ndlovu and Dion complete their switches to the Skull and Crossbones, they will add to a legendary trade route. For over two decades, Golden Arrows has served as a reliable talent goldmine for Orlando Pirates.

A long list of high-profile stars has historically traded the warm weather Durban coastline environment of Soweto, including:

• Siyabonga Sangweni
• Collins Mbesuma
• The late Bheka Phakathi
• Nkosinathi Sibisi
• Kudakwashe Mahachi
• Thembela Sikhakhane
• Njabulo Manqana
• Mlungisi “Gumbi” Mdluli
• Goalkeeper Francis Chansa
• Thamsanga Gabuza
• Ntsako Makhubela

The Buccaneers last raided the Durban side ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, signing defender Nkosinathi Sibisi.