Pirates on Pelembe radar

Orlando Pirates are tight-lipped on whether or not they are interested in adding talented Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Elias Pelembe to their swelling ranks. 

Both Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are said to be pursuing the 27-year-old Mozambican international, whose contract with Sundowns expires at the end of the season.

Pelembe, a vital cog at Sundowns, is delaying signing the contract he has been offered by the Patrice Motsepe-owned club as he weighs up mouth-watering offers from European clubs based in Spain, Holland and Portugal.

Insiders at Pirates say coach Julio Leal is hoping to rope in Pelembe as he believes his international experience gained while playing for the Mozambique national team will benefit Pirates in their quest for Champions League glory next year.

 
However, Pirates spokesperson Mickey Modisane does not give a clear answer on claims that Leal is after the talented Mozambican.
 
"I cannot confirm or deny that the club intends to sign Elias Pelembe," Modisane tellsKickOff.com.
 
"Signing new players is a technical decision, so let us leave it at that for now," he adds.
 
Pelembe's business manager, Tim Sukazi, also refuses to discuss reports that Pirates have shown interest in the midfielder.
 
The Mozambican international – believed to be among one of the best paid players in the PSL – has scored three goals for Sundowns so far this season and has played a leading role for the former League champions.