Orlando Pirates have reported secured the services of talented SuperSport United defender Kegan Johannes for next season.
Despite being just 23 years of age, Johannes already has over 70 top flight appearances to his name. The speedy fullback made a name for himself at Ajax Cape Town (now Cape Town Spurs) before joining SuperSport United in 2021.
According to the latest reports, Jose Riveiro’s side have swooped in to sign the talented defender in a big money move!
Johannes had recently signed a new contract extension at SuperSport United, meaning Orlando Pirates had to fork out the big bucks for their target.
Orlando Pirates land talented PSL defender
“SuperSport United defender Kegan Johannes is on his way to join Orlando Pirates next season,” a Sportswire report read.
“Pirates are aiming to strengthen their squad for their upcoming CAF club competition campaign next season, having secured qualification through their Nedbank Cup final appearance against Mamelodi Sundowns on 1 June at Mbombela Stadium.
“As Sportswire has been told the deal is done, Johannes would be joining the club he scored against in a DStv Premiership match at Orlando Stadium in March 2022.”
In other news, Orlando Pirates look set to send youngster Cebo Mchunu out on loan again next season.
The Buccaneers signed the talented winger from Bizana Pondo Chiefs at the beginning of the season however he was immediately loaned out to Pretoria Callies.
After spending the season out in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, the 22 year old would’ve been hoping to return back to the club to fight for a place in Jose Riveiro’s squad in June.
However, it now appears that the club have decided to send their rising star out on loan again.
Another loan deal looming for Orlando Pirates youngster
“As much as he is a good player, the club feels he hasn’t reached that standard which will make him a regular at the club next season. That’s why he is set for another loan move. He won’t be the first player to do that,” a source told Soccer Laduma.
The source further went on to draw comparisons between Mchunu and Thembinkosi Lorch, who was also loaned out twice by the club during his decade long spell at Orlando Pirates.
“Even Thembinkosi Lorch was loaned out twice before coming back to the team. Then Lorch became a regular. It helps the players to grow and gain experience. It’s good for both the player and the club and that’s why they are loaning him out again next season,” the source added.
Lorch forever grateful to Irvin Khoza
The speedy winger scored 34 goals for Orlando Pirates while assisting 30 more. In total, Lorch made 176 appearances for the Soweto giants.
Lorch joined the Buccaneers from Maluti FET college in 2013. He also spent two seasons out on loan from the Buccaneers at Cape Town All Stars and Chippa United respectively.
“I remember I signed for Orlando Pirates when I was 22 years old. I [just] left [as a] 30-year-old. So I’m therefore grateful for the opportunity that he [Khoza] gave me. Orlando Pirates will always have a special place in my heart,” Lorch said following his move in January, as quoted by Sowetan.
“Also, I want to thank the president of Sundowns [Tlhopie Motsepe] for believing in me and bringing me here. I’m looking forward to giving my best for this team, that’s all I can say.”
