Newly promoted Motsepe Foundation Championship side MM Platinum (La Masia) are assessing an Orlando Pirates duo as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The club is currently assessing the Bophela twins – Simiso and Simo – with the view of signing them.
“They trained with the team today [Friday]. They are assessing them with the view of signing them for the new season. Pirates are open to releasing them as there is no indication they would want to use them in the senior team this season,” a FARPost source said.
The 22-year-old duo has had loan spells at clubs including Sekhukhune and Venda Football Academy, and indications are that the Buccaneers are contemplating selling them.
The identical twins play slightly different roles on the field of play, with Simo often deployed as an attacking midfielder who sometimes operates behind the striker. On the other hand, Simiso is often deployed in the number nine position.
The twins were tipped to be promoted to Bucs’ senior team two years ago, but they are yet to get their breakthrough. La Masia recently secured a spot in the second tier during the ABC Motsepe League playoffs held in Potchefstroom.
Another former academy prodigy Augustine Mahlonoko is also at the club and has reportedly impressed. The former Baroka midfielder recently returned from a Black Leopards trial, refusing to sign for the Limpopo side.
According to FARPost sources, Mahlonoko should sign a contract with the club early next week as he looks to revive his stagnant career.
La Masia have already captured the signature of former Kaizer Chiefs youth sensation Ayanda Rorwana.
Like Mahlonoko, he will likely want to use this opportunity to try and revive his career. The 24-year-old was also tipped for big things in the game before fizzling out.
He had brief stints at Swallows and Pretoria Callies. However, he struggled to knuckle down starting places at both clubs.
At The Birds, he only made four sub appearances during the 2019/2020 season, while at Callies, he only tasted action nine times during the 2020/2021 campaign.
La Masia will be hoping to keep their place in the second tier while they look to fight and secure a place in the topflight in the near future.
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