In a move that has sent shockwaves through South African football, Orlando Pirates have decided not to sign Siphelele Luthuli, despite the midfielder spending over a month on trial with the club. This unexpected rejection has left fans and analysts questioning whether the Buccaneers are making a catastrophic error in judgment as they continue to neglect squad reinforcements.
Luthuli, who was last on the books of Chippa United, had been training with the Pirates first team and even participated in friendly matches. Many believed his signing was imminent, especially considering Pirates’ lack of activity in the recent January 2025 transfer window. However, the midfielder was shockingly released, leading to speculation about why the club pulled the plug on the deal.
Insiders suggest that multiple factors contributed to this decision:
- Fitness Concerns – Some reports indicate that Luthuli struggled to meet Pirates’ intense physical demands, raising concerns about his ability to maintain peak performance over a long season.
- Tactical Fit – The technical team may have felt that Luthuli’s playing style did not align with their long-term vision, particularly as they focus on younger, more dynamic players.
- Squad Politics – There are whispers that the club’s reluctance to sign Luthuli stemmed from internal disagreements among the coaching staff and management. Some members reportedly pushed for his signing, while others felt he wasn’t a necessary addition.
Whatever the real reason, one thing is certain—Pirates’ decision has raised eyebrows, and fans are now questioning whether the club’s refusal to strengthen the squad could come back to haunt them later in the season.
While their PSL rivals like Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs were making significant moves in the transfer market, Orlando Pirates made zero signings in January, despite glaring weaknesses in their squad.
Assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi defended this strategy, stating that the club already has enough quality to compete for top honors. However, fans and pundits aren’t convinced. With injuries and fatigue always a risk in the later stages of the season, failing to add reinforcements could prove to be a disastrous gamble.
Despite snubbing Luthuli, reports suggest that Orlando Pirates have set their sights on Cape Town City’s young midfield sensation, Jaedin Rhodes. The 21-year-old has made 66 appearances for his club and is regarded as one of South Africa’s brightest prospects.
However, with Pirates’ recent reluctance to spend in the transfer market, fans are left wondering—will they actually sign him, or is this just another transfer rumor that will amount to nothing?
With the club refusing to reinforce its squad and turning away experienced players like Luthuli, some supporters fear that the Buccaneers are heading for disaster if their current squad fails to deliver. While they remain in contention for silverware, the lack of squad depth could prove costly in the crucial months ahead.
One thing is clear—Pirates are playing a high-stakes game, and if their strategy backfires, this transfer decision could be remembered as one of the worst in the club’s history.
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