Could Oupa Manyisa's departure see Pirates' pursue their targets from Sundowns?

In a shock announcement made at the unveiling of coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic on Thursday afternoon, Orlando Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza revealed that captain Oupa Manyisa will join rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.

While details of the move are yet to be confirmed, speculation is rife that the 29-year old’s transfer could potentially open the door for some of Masandawana’s fringe players to move in the opposite direction.

It has previously been reported that the likes of Asavela Mbekile and Siyanda Zwane have been on the radar of the Houghton-based club, and Manyisa’s transfer could refuel interest in the duo. Furthermore, another player whose name has been previously bandied about in the corridors at Pirates is Mogakolodi Ngele. The Botswana international’s future is uncertain after returning from a loan spell at Bidvest Wits, and after being made to train with the MultiChoice Diski Challenge team, Sundowns could look to offload the 26-year-old.    

Meanwhile, following the appointment of the former Ugandan national team coach, Pirates have confirmed that his technical team is yet to be decided.

“The newly appointed head coach is due to meet with the Chairman later today to discuss matters around the squad and his support staff,” a statement issued on the Soweto giant’s website read.