Pirates close in on Kalaba

Orlando Pirates are reportedly closing in on long-term transfer target Rainford Kalaba, while his Zambian compatriot Isaac Chansa has also been tipped with a return to Soweto. Kalaba, who currently plies his trade with TP Mazembe in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is expect to finalise a deal with Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza ahead of the restart of the Premier Soccer League. However, it is not known whether a potential deal will be reached before the start of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on January 19. Meanwhile, Chansa, who left the Buccaneers for Chinese outfit Henan Jianye last season, is reportedly keen on reuniting with the double treble champions now that the January transfer window has opened. Kalaba and Chansa are both expected to take part in Zambia's AFCON title defence, the holders kicking-off their tournament against Ethiopia in Mbombela on January 21.