Orlando Pirates are set to lose out on one of South African football’s top prospects according to the latest.
It is believed that Pirates were eyeing the signing of Sekhukhune United left-back Vuyo Letlapa ahead of next season.
Pirates, Chiefs and Sundowns all interested in Letlapa
Pirates were thought to be just one of a number of interested clubs. It is believed that both arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns were also eyeing Letlapa. That comes as no coincidence as all of the above mentioned giants are also set to be interested in another top left-back, Fawaaz Basadien. It is thought that the 21-year-old was sen as a viable alternative to any team that doesn’t sign the Stellenbosch FC and Bafana Bafana star.
Now it looks like all of Pirates, Chiefs and Sundowns will not have the luxury of Letlapa as an alternative. This because, according to Soccer-Laduma, the former Jomo Cosmos side is poised for a move to French Ligue 1 club OGC Nice instead!
Nice of France set to win the race
“There are local teams which have shown interest and Pirates were believed to be in the forefront to sign him but apparently the French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice is the one leading now. They are very close to closing the deal. Remember we spoke about European interest before,” said the source to the same publication.
A second source then revealed that Nice could win the race because of a R20 million bid. This is believed to be enough for Sekhukhune to part with Letlapa. It is also unclear if either Pirates, Chiefs or Sundowns were willing to pay that much for him.
Sekhukhune demaning R20 million
“Yes, that’s what Sekhukhune United are looking at. R20m is what the price is believed to be for Vuyo (Letlapa). And just like they did with Elias Mokwana to Esperance de Tunis, they are including a 30% sell on clause to the next club agreement on the deal. So, if Nice sells Vuyo then Sekhukhune United will get 30% from that deal. That’s why they are looking at R20m for now,” said the source.
Pirates, Chiefs and Sundowns fans, how do you feel about losing out on Letlapa to Nice? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
