The Next Level: Elias Mokwana, Ashley Cupido, Oswin Appollis and other players who can turn Orlando Pirates into serious PSL title contenders

The Sekhukhune United attacker has caught the eye of the big guns in the PSL this season with his impressive performances.

The likes of Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Pirates have taken notice of the exciting attacker and a war for his services is set to ensue.

Pirates’ scouts have reportedly been tracking Mokwana’s progress and have been impressed with his performances, especially after his Bafana Bafana debut where he found the back of the net.

Mokwana is a versatile forward who can play as a striker or on the wing and is also a strong dribbler with a good eye for goal.

And with the departure of Thembinkosi Lorch, who strengthened Sundowns, the Sea Robbers are in dire need of a new talisman.

The Polokwane City star is another player who is currently hot property and is being eyed by the big three in Pirates, Chiefs and Downs.

The former Ajax Cape Town and SuperSport United youngster has had a breakout season in the top flight after joining Rise and Shine at the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

His performances earned him a call-up to Hugo Broos’ Bafana squad that went on to finish third in the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The 22-year-old is undoubtedly one for the future and his current performances suggest he could be a solution for Pirates in attack, at present.

The talented midfielder could well join the exclusive list of players who have represented both Soweto giants Chiefs and Pirates, according to recent rumours.

Matsheke was recently shown the door by Stellenbosch FC despite him not putting one foot wrong on the pitch since joining the Cape Winelands outfit in October 2023.

The Chiefs academy graduate helped Stellies win the Carling Knockout last year before abruptly exiting the club after a disagreement with coach Steve Barker.

With age on his side, the 25-year-old could prove to be a long-term replacement for the likes of Thabang Monare, Makhehlene Makhaula and Miguel Timm in the Bucs midfield.

Pirates might do well to reopen their interest in the Cape Town-based striker, who has previously emerged as a target for the Soweto giants.

The Buccaneers, however, will have some competition to get their hands on the promising marksman who is beginning to find his feet in the top flight with Cape Town Spurs.

A few months ago, he was on Chiefs’ shopping list and during the last off-season, Sundowns looked at him as a backup for the lethal Peter Shalulile.

And with the likes of Evidence Makgopa, Zakhele Lepasa and Tshegofatso Mabasa less than convincing, Bucs should look at a different option to strengthen their forward line.

Although Cupido is far from being the finished product, the promise he has shown is enough to suggest that Bucs would have a serious talent on their hands.

The SuperSport United loanee appears to have caught the eye of Pirates coach Jose Riveiro who has put a lot of trust in him since joining the club in January.

Mbatha’s transfer on loan from the Tshwane giants came as a shock to many, however, it has made more sense the more game time he has been given, with the youngster grabbing his opportunity with both hands.

Mbatha has brought something different to the ageing Bucs midfield and Riveiro appears to have been sold on the idea of having Mbatha at the club long-term.

He is one of the signings that would take Pirates to the next level in the long term should he manage to maintain the standards he has set during his loan spell so far.

The Ivorian defender has been rumoured to be a Pirates target for some time now and should the Sea Robbers finally capture his signature, he would undoubtedly strengthen their defence.

Toure was said to be on Pirates’ radar before he joined Stellies from Marumo Gallants on the back of an impressive campaign where he excelled in the PSL and Caf Confederation Cup.

The former ASEC Mimosas defender, though, was instead snapped up by the Cape Winelands outfit who wasted little time bringing him to the Danie Craven Stadium.

Nevertheless, Pirates could still get their man should they approach Stellies with the right price.