Orlando Pirates sign Cape Town City’s Craig Martin

Orlando Pirates have finally snapped up Cape Town City speedster Craig Martin, FARPost can exclusively reveal.

Martin has been on the radar of Pirates for quite a while and the two clubs last week agreed on a transfer fee.

Martin arrived in Johannesburg on Sunday to complete his move to the DStv Premiership giants.

A source within the corridors of Pirates confirmed the development to FARPost.

LONG TERM ORLANDO PIRATES TARGET

“He left for Joburg on Sunday to complete his move. Orlando Pirates have wanted him for a long time but nothing came out of it. So he’s quite excited about the switch,” the source said.

Martin joined the elite list of players who made 100 appearances for the Citizens last year.

The 29-year-old joined the club in July 2017, and went on to become the fifth player to make 100 appearances for the CT City.

He joined the likes of Thamsanqa Mkhize, Roland Putsche, Taariq Fielies and Thabo Nodada.

In January 2021, CT City rewarded Martin with a contract extension that would keep him at the club until June 2024.

His fine run last season earned him his first and only Bafana Bafana cap.

CT City were his first professional club after a stint with amateur side Glendene United.

He won the MTN8 with City and also featured in the CAF Champions League.

Martin scored 14 goals and provided 10 assists in 152 games.

The pacy Kensington lad was often deployed at right-wing in an attacking position.

However, he is equally effective playing at right back. It, therefore, remains to be seen where Pirates coach Jose Riveiro will prefer to deploy him.

Meanwhile, City could also lose in-form forward Khanyisa Mayo who has reportedly attracted the interest of Gauteng teams.

The Bafana Bafana star is being linked with Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.

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