Baroka FC boss confirms Orlando Pirates' interest in teenage winger - 'Dr Irvin Khoza approached me'

Orlando Pirates have opened talks with Baroka FC to sign 19-year-old winger Kabelo Kgositsile.

Bakgakga's chairman Khurishi Mphahlele says they are yet to reach an agreement with Pirates, but he trusts dealing with the Buccaneers boss Irvin Khoza.

"Pirates showed interest in him immediately after we played them in the Nedbank Cup Last 16 at Orlando Stadium. The chairman, Dr. Irvin Khoza, approached me," Mphahlele told KickOff.

"We are currently discussing the contract, which ends sometime between 2027 and 2028. I've worked with Pirates many times, and all our deals have gone smoothly without any issues.

"I'm confident dealing with Pirates because their word is bankable.

"You can actually take their word to the bank and bank it. You can trust their word as if it's money in the bank," added the Baroka boss.

"Other clubs may promise one thing, and then do something completely different the next day, which can be stressful. I prefer to work with people I trust.

"However, any final decision regarding Kgositsile will depend on the agreement. We have not yet reached an agreement with Pirates."

Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has managed to get the best out of youngsters like Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota.

That could give Kgositsile confidence that he will be in good hands to develop fully should he join Pirates.

However, the Buccaneers have a number of capable wingers, and that would provide a huge task for Kgositsile to become a regular starter.

Just like other PSL clubs, Riveiro is already busy looking for talent to bolster his squad for next season.

It is to be seen if the Buccaneers will continue pursuing Kgositsile and another rumoured transfer target, Kamogelo Sebelebele of TS Galaxy, who is, interestingly, also a winger.