Orlando Pirates have acquired the services of Marumo Gallants attacker Katlego Otladisa, SoccerNews24 can reveal.
Katlego Otladisa played a major role in the just-ended season as Bahlabane Ba Ntwa enjoyed a fairy-tale run in the CAF Confederation Cup, reaching the final.
However, Marumo Gallants had a dismal season on the domestic scene as they suffered relegation from the DStv Premiership. And as a result of failing to avoid the dreaded axe, Gallants are bound to lose most of their top players to Premiership sides.
One of them is Otladisa, who is leaving the club with a year left on his contract at Gallants.
And some of his teammates are also on the move. CelimpiloNgema signed a pre-contract with AmaZulu FC, while Lucky Mohomi is set to Richards Bay with Lebogang Mabotjatalking with Sekhukhune United and Royal AM about a possible deal.
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This publication has it on good authority that Otladisa has penned a three-year deal with Pirates. And the winger is set to do his medicals at the Soweto giants on Wednesday.
Pirates had to fight off competition from three other top-flight teams to land the signature of Otladisa.
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Sekhukhune United had shown interest in the player as they plan to strengthen their squad for next season’s edition of the Confed Cup. AmaZulu and their KZN rivals Royal AM also enquired about Otladisa’s availability. However, he was keen on moving to Soweto.
The 26-year-old winger had a stellar season, making 43appearances in all competitions, including the Confed Cup.
His familiarity with continental football will be a plus for Pirates, who qualified for the CAF Champions League next campaign by virtue of finishing second in the Premiership. In addition, they won trophies; MTN8 and Nedbank Cup.
But they are required to have a women’s team in order to take part in CAF interclub competition or acquire a license to take part in interclub competitions in the 2023/24 season, as per CAF’s communication to all Member Associations.