Orlando Pirates' R14 million outcast finally spotted
Karim Kimvuidi, Mohau Nkota, Monnapule Saleng and Zakhele Lepasa are all embarking on new challenges.
Kimvuidi recently made an appearance on the bench for his new club.
'Nkota is already a better player after leaving Pirates'
DR Congo playmaker Karim Kimvuidi was in FC Ashdod's squad for their 2-0 loss against Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Israeli Cup at the weekend. The 23-year-old struggled to nail downb a regular place in the Pirates side during his three years with the club.
After hesitating to sell Monnapule Saleng, and with all possible suitors knowing he was unhappy at the club, Pirates scuppered a massive opportunity to make some money on the player, with a weakened bargaining position. The record departure in Pirates history was €2.3 million (R48 million) when Mbulelo 'Oldjohn' Mabizela moved to Tottenham in 2003-2004. It's unlikely the Sea Robbers would have fetched a number in that region, but there's no reason why the 2022-2023 PSL Player of the Year should be leaving on a free transfer. However, that's the most likely scenario with the player out on loan with Orbit College for the 2025-2026 season. After all, there were substantial rumours of offers from Standard Liege in Belgium and French Ligue giants Monaco.
Details: Saleng returns to Orbit College
29-year-old Nkosinathi Sibisi will wear the captain's armband at Pirates in 2025-2026. He was a key figure last season alongside breakout star Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the heart of defence after Thabiso Sesane was struck down with a long-term injury. What happens when Sesane returns will be fascinating, as he might even dislodge the new captain. That's a nice problem for new boss Ouaddao to have, though. Sibisi made 42 appearances last season across all competitions, including 25 in the league. The Sea Robbers have started this season in awful shape, losing to Sekhukhune and Marumo Gallants.
Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Too soon to sink the ship: The Sea Robbers must back Ouaddou
Yes, the start has been far from perfect, but panic buttons should remain untouched for now. There's a Zulu phrase, Amakhosi Ajabulile, which simply means 'the Chiefs are happy', and that's exactly where Kaizer Chiefs fans find themselves at the moment. Two Betway Premiership wins from two matches have lifted the mood and fuelled optimism for what lies ahead this season. Chiefs on a high, Pirates at a low Few would have predicted such a strong start from Chiefs, with victories over Stellenbosch FC and Polokwane City setting the tone. While Amakhosi supporters are riding high, the same cannot be said for their Soweto rivals, Orlando Pirates, who have been far from their best under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. ALSO READ: Kaze delighted with impact subs after Chiefs victory Dubbed 'the Happy People', Pirates fans have not been living up to the nickname. Back-to-back league defeats to Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants have sparked frustration, overshadowing their MTN8 quarterfinal win over Polokwane City. That triumph already feels like a distant memory, with some supporters calling for the coach's head if results don't improve. Such calls, after only three matches, feel premature. Yes, the start has been far from perfect, but panic buttons should remain untouched for now. Ouaddou was always going to face a challenge after the high standards set by former coach José Riveiro. The anger, however, is building at the worst possible time, just days before a titanic MTN8 semifinal first leg against Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium. Change is rarely smooth Of course, should Pirates lose to the Brazilians on Saturday, the pressure will intensify. Change is rarely smooth, and I'm not shocked at the mixed start, even with the quality in this squad. This is not the moment to question the former Moroccan international who is still finding his feet at Pirates. ALSO READ: Ouaddou 'disappointed' after Pirates loss to Gallants The suggestion that the club should have brought back Rulani Mokwena is a needless distraction. Pirates have made their choice, and unless perceptions shift, the team will bear the brunt of the unrest. Playing for a big team like Pirates comes with immense pressure, if the fans turn on the coach, that burden will only be extended to the players. The performance against Gallants wasn't poor, but the tense atmosphere magnified every setback on the night. On another day, Pirates might have comfortably taken all three points. Riveiro never won the league Where is the patience that was once afforded to Riveiro? The Spaniard, after all, failed to win the league despite success in cup competitions. Pirates fans could serve their club better by backing Ouaddou rather than undermining him so early into his reign. ALSO READ: Pirates 'threw' three points away against Gallants, says Nduli Still, there's no escaping reality -the two legs against Sundowns may shape Ouaddou's tenure as Pirates boss. Football is results-driven, and coaches ultimately live and die by the scoreboard. For now, I think the verdict is that it's simply too early to judge him, even if the storm clouds are already gathering over Orlando. The best thing the Sea Robbers can do is back their team and their coach. The stakes are high, but so too is the potential for a turnaround.
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates sign new team worth of stars from PSL rivals
Orlando Pirates have signed a total of 11 players from respective clubs within the PSL. Orlando Pirates have been busier than Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns put together. So, the Bucs have signed 13 players (11 from within the PSL). Meanwhile, they have offloaded 13 stars with SIX Pirates players jumping ship to join PSL rivals. Sipho Mbule (Mamelodi Sundowns) Yanela Mbuthuma (from Richards Bay) Masindi Nemtajela (Marumo Gallants) Tshepang Moremi (AmaZulu) Nkosikhona Ndaba (Richards Bay), Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United) Tshepo Mashiloane (Baroka) Sihle Nduli (Stellenbosch) Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City) Kamogelo Sebelebele (TS Galaxy) Lebone Seema (TS Galaxy). Pirates have signed a whole starting worth of players from PSL rival clubs. The Bucs have signed one player each from Sundowns (Mpule), Polokwane City (Appollis), Stellenbosch FC (Nduli), Baroka (Mashiloane), Marumo Gallants (Nemtajela), Chippa United (Kwayiba) and AmaZulu (Moremi). Meanwile, the Bucs signed a couple of players each from TS Galaxy (Seema and Sebelebele) and Richards Bay (Ndaba and Mbuthuma). Meanwhile, they signed Abdoulaye Dine Mariko and Abdoulaye S Mariko both from Djoliba AC. These are the only players they signed from outside of the country. Pirates have 13 players so far. That is more players than PSL rivals Kaizer Chiefs (7) and Mamelodi Sundowns (1) have signed in total. Of these new players, these THREE new Pirates players are expected to start regularly under Abdeslam Ouaddou this season. Meaning, these Bucs regulars will likely be dropped to the bench. Meanwhile, these SEVEN new Pirates players are likely to be BENCHED. Here's which players Ouaddou will likely START and who he will be rotating off the bench during the 2025/26 season. Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Former Springbok Dawie Snyman dies
Former Springbok utility back and legendary Western Province coach Dawie Snyman has passed away following a recent diagnosis of leukemia. He was 76. Snyman, a product of Grey College in Bloemfontein, moved to the Cape to further his studies and rugby career at Stellenbosch University. He went on to earn 10 Test caps for the Springboks between 1972 and 1977, representing South Africa with distinction during a turbulent era in the sport's history. Following his playing career, Snyman left an indelible mark as a coach, leading Western Province to a record five consecutive Currie Cup titles from 1982 to 1986 – a golden era for the union that cemented his legacy in South African rugby. Rugby excellence ran in the family. Snyman's brother, Jackie, also played for the Springboks in the 1970s. Jackie's son Dawie currently serves as an assistant coach for the Stormers. The South African rugby community was quick to pay tribute to Snyman's immense contribution to the game, both on and off the field. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days. Full names: Dawid Stefanus Lubbe Date of birth: 5 July 1949 Place of birth: Johannesburg School: Grey College Springbok #453 Physical: 1.73m, 77kg Test summary: Tests: 10 Tries: 1 First Test: 3 Jun 1972 – Flyhalf against England at Ellis Park, Johannesburg Last Test: 27 Aug 1977 – Fullback against World Invitation at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Test history Date Opponent Venue Result 3 Jun 1972 England Ellis Park, Johannesburg Lost 18-9 8 Jun 1974 Britain Newlands, Cape Town Lost 12-3 22 Jun 1974 Britain Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Lost 28-9 23 Nov 1974 France Stade Municipal, Toulouse Won 13-4 30 Nov 1974 France Parc des Princes, Paris Won 10-8 21 Jun 1975 France Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein Won 38-25 28 Jun 1975 France Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Won 33-18 14 Aug 1976 New Zealand Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein Lost 15-9 4 Sep 1976 New Zealand Newlands, Cape Town Won 15-10 27 Aug 1977 World Invitation Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Won 45-24 Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
