South Africa – Orlando Pirates, a prominent football club in South Africa, is reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Malawian forward Lanjesi Nkhoma, who was previously a target of Kaizer Chiefs. The competition between Chiefs and Pirates for talent in the market has been ongoing, and Nkhoma’s name has emerged as the latest addition to their radar.
Nkhoma, a Malawian international, had been linked to a bid from Kaizer Chiefs during the previous close season. This interest in the player was fueled by his outstanding performance during the 2023 COSAFA Cup in South Africa. At that time, it was rumored that Kaizer Chiefs had offered over R4 million for his services. However, both Nkhoma’s current club, Nyasa Big Bullets, and Orlando Pirates denied any such bid.
Ultimately, Nkhoma remained in Malawi, suggesting that both Big Bullets and Chiefs may have been truthful in their statements. However, fast forward six months, and it appears that the 21-year-old might now be on the verge of a move to Soweto, with Orlando Pirates expressing their interest. According to reports from Soccer-Laduma, negotiations for Nkhoma’s services with the Soweto giants could be imminent.
A source close to the situation stated, “First, it was Kaizer Chiefs who were interested in him (Nkhoma), and now another South African team, Orlando Pirates, have inquired about him. He did very well during the COSAFA Cup tournament in South Africa and has continued to impress in Malawi. I think that’s what has attracted Pirates to him.”
Another source hinted that Nkhoma could potentially join Orlando Pirates at the beginning of the second half of the season, although the exact timing remains uncertain. “It is not clear, but he will be traveling to South Africa soon. It might be during the Afcon break or afterward, possibly during the Malawi Super League break. While it’s not a confirmed deal yet, the chances are 50/50 at the moment. Anything can happen because he is a highly sought-after player,” the source added.
If Orlando Pirates secures Nkhoma’s signature, it is evident that they will need to make room for him by offloading two or three attackers to accommodate the promising young talent. The football world eagerly awaits further developments in this potential transfer saga.
