Our mole can reveal that Orlando Pirates are hot favourites to sign Bloemfontein Celtic defender Erick Mathoho. 

‘Tower’ has attracted interest from Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs as well, but according to our reliable sources the Mighty Buccaneers have beaten their rivals to land the Bafana Bafana defender’s signature.


“There has always been an outstanding agreement between Celtic and Pirates that if Mathoho didn’t move overseas he would sign for Bucs the next season,” the source reveals.

“You must also remember that what [Pirates boss] Dr Khoza wants he will get – and even though Sundowns have put more money down, Pirates look like they have won it …”

Mathoho’s agent, Tim Sukazi of Quality Talent Sports agency, could not clear the air regarding the player’s next destination, but he did confirm that Pirates, Chiefs and Sundowns are currently talking to Celtic.

“It is pretty much normal for a player of Mathoho’s calibre to trigger interest among the big clubs,” Sukazi says. “In fact, I would have been surprised if the situation was the opposite.

“Mathoho is currently contracted to Celtic and, in so far as I understand, all the interested clubs are in discussion with Celtic. We just have to wait and see how this one pans out and we will deal with it when our involvement becomes of relevance.”