It looks like midfielder Siphelele Luthuli will secure a contract with Orlando Pirates in January after impressing the technical team led by Jose Riveiro.
Luthuli arrived at Pirates a few weeks ago for assessment after parting ways with Chippa United at the end of last season.
The 29-year-old has been sweating his lungs out at training in the hope of securing a deal with the Buccaneers.
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Luthuli rose to prominence with Bloemfontein Celtic, before joining the Chilli Boys in 2022, where he made 52 appearances.
Pirates have already released Katlego Otladisa and Sandile Mthethwa to make room for new signings in January.
Otladisa has moved to join Sekhukhune United on loan, while centre-back Mthethwa has signed with AmaZulu FC on a permanent basis.
"Luthuli is still training with Pirates. He is a good player. He has done well so far. It looks like the club is preparing to sign him in January," said a source close to the Houghton-based outfit.
Meanwhile, former Pirates and Celtic star Lebohang Mothibantwa believes Luthuli can make it at Ezimnyama Ngenkani.
"The bar has been set at Pirates. The level is of high intensity. The boy can adapt because he has a high work rate and has recovery runs that can assist him in breaking into the first team. But at Pirates, you have to understand the movement ahead of play because of the system that the coach plays," Mothibantwa tells KickOff.com.
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"I think he can make it, he can adapt, he is talented. He has the strength on his feet and balance, that's what I have seen in him. I can see him doing well, he can do it.
"He has a lot of abilities, tactically that can work to his advantage, like when he is receiving ball under pressure, his movement to create space in the areas where is occupied. I saw him, and he has the ability to play with both feet," he explained further.