Orlando Pirates have completed the signing of Richards Bay FC defender Nkosikhona Ndaba according to FARPost.
This is their first signing for the next season as they are already strengthening their squad even before the new coach’s appointment following the departure of Jose Riveiro.
The Spanish coach’s last match on the Buccaneers’ dugout was on Tuesday when they won 3-0 over Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership, granting the 49-year-old a perfect sendoff.
Preparing for what they want to be an improved campaign next season, they have signed the Natal Rich Boyz left Ndaba, who’s been a promising talent since his promotion in 2023.
The 22-year-old defender earned promotion to the senior team in 2023, following a season spent with the club's DStv Diski Challenge side.
He made his senior team debut on 11 December that year, featuring in the league match against the now-defunct Royal AM at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
The KZN-born defender has since made 41 appearances across all competitions for the Natal Rich Boyz.
NDABA TO REPLACE MAELA
Ndaba is seemingly set to come in as Innocent Maela’s replacement. According to the reports, the club’s captain has been offered a non-playing role within the club, having served the Soweto giants well since his arrival in 2017.
The Newcastle-born defender will also compete for the left-back position with Paseka Mako.
Meanwhile, Pirates are reportedly closing on completing the signing of Stellenbosch FC midfielder Sihle Nduli. His contract with the Cape Winelands side will expire at the end of the season.
