Orlando Pirates target defender with questionable disciplinary record
Is he the right man?
Orlando Pirates are gunning for a top PSL defender who’s got a bit of a weakness for picking up yellow cards.
Pirates target Stellies star Toure
According to the latest reports from Soccer Laduma, Orlando Pirates have reignited interest in the nippy central defender Ismaël Toure from Stellenbosch. The 27-year-old doesn’t have the best disciplinary record this season with six bookings in 15 league outings. That’s an average of one yellow card every 2.5 games.
“He (Toure) is still on the club’s (Pirates’) radar, and it’s just a matter of when the club will be taking the interest forward by making a formal offer,”
“If you look around the league, you will notice that he is one of the reliable and consistent defenders, and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed as interest in his services is growing.”
Saleng earns less than you think
According to Goal, Monnapule Saleng’s salary isn’t among the very highest in the PSL. It’s in the region of R70,000, or R280,000 a month. It’s not shabby, but it means he’s not in the top percentile of earners in South Africa.
“If he was not an important asset, Bafana could not have called him,” Saleng’s friend Boikanyo Maine told Sunday World.
“We are requesting that Pirates consider what he wants. It’s unfair, imagine getting R70,000 but your contribution in most of the matches speaks volumes while somebody [else] is getting R500,000.”
Pirates’ transfer wish list
It’s clear from this list of targets that Orlando Pirates are prioritizing more creativity and goal threat from the middle of the park and out wide. There’s also a need for reinforcements at right-back and another different type of option to challenge Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa up top.
Will Pirates make the right moves in the next window?
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