Otladisa’s Career Resets At Gallants With Overseas Ambitions Still

Katlego Otladisa during the Betway Premiership 2025/26 match between Marumo Gallants and Magesi FC

Katlego Otladisa’s career has taken another unexpected turn after rejoining Marumo Gallants, and sources have suggested that this move came after an overseas opportunity fell through in 2025.

Insiders have revealed that the 29-year-old was at one stage close to securing a switch to the United States shortly after returning to Orlando Pirates from his loan spell at Sekhukhune United.

Read: Pirates On Alert As De Jong Edges Closer To Stellenbosch Exit

The proposed move was viewed as a positive next step for the winger, whose future at the Buccaneers had become increasingly unclear.

However, the transfer did not progress after complications involving the coordination of the deal surfaced during the negotiation process, according to sources.

According to those familiar with the situation, elements of the negotiation process created uncertainty around the deal, making it difficult for the parties abroad to proceed with confidence.

“These were matters that became difficult to resolve in good time. There was real interest from the USA, but once complications appeared, it was felt the best solution was for the player to look locally for stability and game time,” a source explained.

Crucially, the situation had nothing to do with Pirates standing in his way, as the bone of contention was the confusion around the player’s representation. In fact, club officials are understood to have allowed space for discussions to unfold and did not rush into any decisions regarding the player’s future while international talks were active.

When the opportunity eventually collapsed, attention shifted back to the PSL, where Otladisa weighed up options before deciding to rejoin Gallants – a club where he previously thrived.

So far, the move has proven positive. Otladisa has played an important role in helping Gallants reach the final of the Carling Knockout, where they lost 1-0 to his former club, Pirates at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday evening.

Despite the earlier disappointment, those close to the situation insist that a possible overseas move is not being ruled out for the player in the future.

Read – Underdog Warrior: Arubi Leads Gallants’ Defiant Charge Against Mighty Pirates

The belief is that if Otladisa continues rebuilding his form and confidence at Gallants, international opportunities may re-emerge.

Gallants, meanwhile, see Otladisa as a key figure capable of providing pace, width and experience as they strengthen their project under French coach Alexandre Lafitte.

Photo by Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix 

Related tags