JOHANNESBURG - Orlando Pirates have rejected a bid from Baroka FC for their former marksman Thabiso Kutumela.
Two season ago Kutumela propelled Baroka to top flight football and won the 'golden boot' as top scorer in the National First Division as Baroka were crowned the NFD champions.
His displays attracted Pirates, who signed him before the end of 2015/16 season.
But the striker struggled to find his feet at the Buccaneers and spent most of last season warming the bench. This led to speculation that he might be loaned out this upcoming season.
Morgan Mammila, Baroka's CEO, confirmed the club were interested in Kutumela, but their bid was rejected.
“I don’t see Thabiso Kutumela coming to us. He belongs to Pirates.
“They didn’t give him to us. We understand their reasons and we accepted them. They have a plan for him, and we can’t fault Pirates for that. We were interested in the player but there’s nothing we can do if they have a plan for him,” Mammila lamented.
Last season Kutumela appeared in 10 matches for Pirates in all competitions, netting one goal.
Baroka, without Kutumela's goals, almost got relegated, only retaining their PSL status by winning the Promotional Play-offs after finishing in 15th position on the log.
“If you look at our last eight matches we only lost one - to Lamontville Golden Arrows. This shows that we got our momentum late. Obviously we are not going to be fooled by those results.
“We will go to the market and get some experienced players. We don’t have to find ourselves in a relegation battle again".
To this effect they have secured the services of another of their former strikers from Pirates.
“Gift Motupa is back with us on loan. He is hungry now, he has to prove a point and this is the right time for him to prove the point."
The club also recently snapped up former Kaizer Chiefs forward Lewis Macha.
“I’ve signed Macha and there are three international players that I’m busy with. At any time I might have them. I’m telling people they will see a different Baroka this season,” Mammila explained.
Charismatic coach Kgoloko Thobejane will remain in charge.
“Thobejane is staying and will be assisted by McDonald Makhubedu, the man who was in charge of lower league side Acornbush United who beat Cape Town City in the Nedbank Cup before giving Chiefs a torrid time.
Meanwhile Pirates have signed Musa Nyatama from Bolemfontein Celtic. Nyatama, who previously played for Thanda Royal Zulu, Mamelodi Sundowns and Maritzburg United, is set to do the medical check up on Thursday.
Celtic CEO Khumbulani Khonco confirmed the sale of Nyatama.
"Yes it is true that we have sold him to Pirates. We wish him all the best of lucky. He served us very well,"