Orlando Pirates FC are progressing negotiations with Malian international Sadio Kanouté as they look to bolster their midfield following several departures this summer.
The Bucs have already secured midfielder Abdoulaye S. Mariko earlier this window and now have set their sights on Kanouté, a 28-year-old free agent who played the 2024/25 season with Stade Malien in the Malian Ligue 1.
Known for his combative style and technical confidence, Kanouté is reportedly one of the club’s primary objectives, with discussions gaining momentum over a proposed transfer fee of approximately €500,000.
Sources close to the negotiations indicate both clubs are working toward agreeing personal terms and add-ons, with the Pirates aiming to finalise details within the coming weeks.
Should the move come to fruition, Kanouté would provide South African football powerhouse Orlando Pirates with an experienced, domestically ready midfielder capable of strengthening their defensive structure and transitional play.
Kanouté emerges from a strong season in Mali, where his performances for Stade Malien earned him both plaudits and visibility on the continental stage.
His current market valuation stands at around €200,000, reflecting his status as an impactful domestic player with untapped potential in more competitive environments.
With his contract expired at the end of June, Kanouté is poised for a fresh challenge abroad—one that has drawn significant interest from Orlando Pirates and rival clubs.
Chances are that this deal will not be straightforward, however. Multiple clubs across the African continent, including ES Tunis (Tunisia), Zamalek (Egyptian Premier League), and Nouadhibou FC (Mauritania), have indicated interest in securing Kanouté’s signature.
The competition for his services underscores the midfielder’s reputation as a valuable addition who can balance grit and ball control.
For Orlando Pirates, securing Kanouté fits into a broader strategy underpinned by reinforcing their defensive core while injecting quality and versatility amid departures from their squad.
The Buccaneers have been active in the transfer market, but Kanouté brings a unique combination of international experience with Mali and familiarity with African league football.
Should the agreement be finalised, Kanouté would likely join the Pirates in pre-season training, offering their coaching staff the opportunity to integrate him into tactical planning ahead of the new campaign.
His presence would grant the team more depth in midfield and options to adapt to varied match situations, particularly in domestic competitions and continental fixtures.
Representatives from both clubs remain optimistic about concluding the transfer soon. Orlando Pirates are reportedly preparing a structured offer that includes performance-related bonuses and possible sell-on clauses.
Meanwhile, Kanouté is said to be attracted by the prospect of returning to high-level African club football and competing on a bigger stage with one of the continent’s most storied teams.
As talks progress, attention will now shift to whether a formal announcement is made before the end of July. Across fan forums and local media, expectations are rising that Kanouté’s arrival could signal a new midfield dimension for Pirates and reflect the club’s broader ambition to reclaim silverware on domestic and continental fronts.
Ultimately, the coming days should reveal whether Kanouté joins the Buccaneers in Johannesburg, adding his talent and experience to a squad aiming to redefine its competitive outlook in the seasons ahead.
