Orlando Pirates News Today: How Chiefs lost defender to Bucs, transfer updates & more

Published on by

Orlando Pirates News Today: How Chiefs lost defender to Bucs, transfer updates & more

Latest Orlando Pirates news in the last 24 hours, including Sipho Mbule making the Team of the Week abroad, an attacker back in action for the club, how Bucs beat Kaizer Chiefs to a defender’s services, and more.

Mbule in team of the week!

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule has been named in the Team of the Week in the Iraqi Stars League after his fine display in Zakho SC’s 2-1 win over Al Mosul SC

Lungu is back!

The 27-year-old has made an impressive start to life at Pirates, scoring four goals and providing one assist in seven appearances.

The Zambian winger was forced off early during Pirates’ 4-0 win over Kruger United earlier this month after scoring from the penalty spot, raising concerns that he could face a spell on the sidelines.

However, the Buccaneers have now confirmed that Lungu has returned to the squad ahead of Thursday night’s clash at Orlando Amstel Arena. 

“Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s squad could be boosted by the return of winger Tshepang Moremi who was kept out of Champions League action by suspension, while Gamphani Lungu is also back after a brief injury spell,” Pirates confirmed on their official website.

Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates in training, Image: Orlando Pirates

The 27-year-old has made an impressive start to life at Pirates, scoring four goals and providing one assist in seven appearances, and his return comes at an important time for Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side.

How Chiefs lost defender to Pirates

Milimo Nalumango’s move to Orlando Pirates came about rather unexpectedly, with the youngster initially only looking for an opportunity to train and keep fit after completing his schooling.

The 19-year-old defender, who has joined the Buccaneers’ development structures after his time in Germany, had already attracted attention during his football development in South Africa and abroad. 

But according to his father, Dr David Tebogo Nalumango, there was no elaborate plan for the youngster to join Orlando Pirates when he returned to Mzansi earlier this year. Instead, a chance connection and a recommendation from former Pirates players James Mothibi and Perry Mutapa opened the door.

Speaking exclusively to the Siya crew, Dr Nalumango explained that Milimo had previously trained with both SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs while home on holiday last year, primarily to maintain his fitness.

“So, last year when he was on holiday, he came back to train with SuperSport. He had a training session with SuperSport. He also had training sessions with Kaizer Chiefs, you know, just to keep fit. That was a few weeks ago, during their pre-season,” said Dr Nalumango.

At the time, Milimo had already made plans for his future once he completed his schooling.

“He just said, ‘You know what, dad, when I finish my school, I think I can come back and see if I can get into a club here.’ So, he finished his school just now in June. “When he arrived back, the Zambian U-20 coach Perry Mutapa was here. He introduced us to coach James Mothibi,” Dr Nalumango revealed.

The family then asked Mothibi whether there was an opportunity for Milimo to train with a team in South Africa.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou,
Abdeslam Ouaddou, Image: Orlando Pirates

“And then we asked coach Mothibi, is it possible since the boy is here that he can go and train with a team here? And he said, ‘No problem, if he’s interested, I can take him to Pirates, let him go and train and keep fit.'”

“He introduced us to Orlando Pirates. He trained one or two days, and next thing we were getting a call from the manager saying, no, we like this boy. Is he able to join our team?” he said.

Pirates then wanted to see more of Milimo before making a final decision.

“They said, okay, we just need to watch him in one or two games. They played one or two games, and next thing he was offered a contract. And, yeah, that is where he is playing today.”

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

  • Football Odds
  • Sports Journalism
  • Football

Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

You May Also Like