Snl24 | EXCLUSIVE: Pirates enquire about Yanga star

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 05: Lucas Costa of Mamelodi Sundowns in action with Stephane Aziz Ki of Young Africans SC during the CAF Champions League match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Young Africans SC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on April 05, 2024 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Gallo Images)

KickOff can reveal that Orlando Pirates have made inquiries about the availability of Young Africans SC midfielder Stephen Aziz Ki.

The 28-year-old was a thorn in the flesh for Mamelodi Sundowns’ defence during the CAF Champions League quarter-final second match played at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium last Friday.

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Aziz Ki was at the centre of controversy when his thunderous shot hit the woodwork in the 59th minute and bounced back into play in what looked like a legitimate goal, but referee Dehane Beida waved play on. 

A subsequent VAR check returned with the ‘no goal’ result, much to the delight of the majority of the crowd in the stands as their team came that close to a Champions League exit, which would have been seen as a huge disappointment for such an expensively-assembled squad.

Yanga were eventually knocked out of the competition after losing the ensuing penalty shootout 3-2, thanks in no small part to the heroics of Ronwen Williams. 

Now, news reaching this publication is that Pirates are believed to be interested in bringing the Burkina Faso national team midfielder to the PSL next season after his eye-catching display against the Brazilians. 

“Pirates are keen after being impressed by his performance against Sundowns on Friday. They have sent their scouts to make a follow-up and access his performances in Tanzania,” said a source close to the Mighty Buccaneers.

READ: Expert ref weighs in on disallowed Yanga ‘goal’

Interestingly, the player was seen talking to Rulani Mokwena soon after the match, before a Yanga official came charging towards them to interrupt their conversation and wrestle the player away from the Sundowns coach. A scuffle nearly broke out between the enraged official and Mokwena, but some of Downs players and technical team members quickly diffused the situation.

The content of the duo’s conversation has been the subject of speculation on social media platform, with many under the belief Mokwena is trying to woo Aziz Ki to the Masandawana camp with his contract said to be expiring in June 2024.

With the Buccaneers now seemingly entering the fray, there could be twists and turns before the player decides on his next destination.

Despite being born in Ivory Coast, Aziz Ki has acquired 14 caps for Burkina Faso, including three appearances during the Africa Cup of Nations tournament held in Ivory Coast earlier this year.

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