Orlando Pirates star Karim Kimvuidi eyes early exit
Orlando Pirates star Karim Kimvuidi's future at Mayfair is now under the spotlight, with signs increasingly pointing towards a potential exit ahead of the upcoming season. After two years with the Soweto giants, the Congolese midfielder finds himself at a career crossroads, driven by diminishing game time and growing frustration.
Kimvuidi joined Pirates from Maritzburg United with high expectations, and while his debut season showed promise, it failed to fully take off. The 23-year-old featured in 22 matches as the Buccaneers lifted both the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup.
Despite those achievements, Kimvuidi started and finished only one game, a statistic that raised early concerns about his long-term role at the club.
Instead of progressing in his second season, things went in the opposite direction. He made just 15 appearances. Crucially, he completed the full 90 minutes only once and was omitted entirely from 37 matchday squads.
This sharp decline has unsettled the midfielder, prompting his representatives to begin exploring potential transfer options. Sources close to the player confirm that discussions have begun regarding a possible move.
However, with Kimvuidi still under contract at Pirates, any exit would require a transfer fee.
Importantly, Kimvuidi occupies one of the club's limited five foreign player slots, something that could influence Orlando Pirates decisions going forward.
In Kinshasa, national team selectors have expressed admiration for Kimvuidi. And reportedly view regular club football as essential for a return to the international fold.
'Kimvuidi needs to be playing regular football to be considered for the national team again,' said a source in Congo familiar with the situation.
He had been on the DR Congo radar prior to joining Pirates. But missing out on national duty has only intensified his desire for more consistent minutes.
When Pirates secured Kimvuidi's services, they beat off stiff competition. Interest came from MLS outfit DC United, Turkish side Alanyaspor, and Moroccan clubs RSB Berkane and Olympic Safi.
Should Kimvuidi leave Orlando Pirates?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send 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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates coaching contender ruled out
Orlando Pirates find themselves at the centre of coaching speculation following Jose Riveiro's surprise departure to Egyptian giants Al Ahly. While several names have been floated, one has now been firmly ruled out, Moroccan tactician Abdeslam Ouaddou. Despite his recent success with Marumo Gallants, Ouaddou will not be taking charge at the Soweto giants. A source confirmed that the former defender, who made waves at Fulham, is not in the running for the role. 'No, the former Marumo Gallants coach is not in the running for the Pirates job at the moment,' the source revealed. Ouaddou's tenure at Gallants was brief but impressive. Appointed in March 2025 to replace Dan Malesela, he took over a side battling for survival. Under his guidance, the team managed to retain its top-flight status, a significant feat considering their turbulent campaign following the purchase of Moroka Swallows' league status at the start of the season. His work didn't go unnoticed. Praise flowed in for his tactical acumen and his ability to handle pressure in South Africa's top tier. 'He is a good coach who showed at his previous clubs that he can become a world-class coach if given a chance at a big club with the right structure and support,' the source added. 'He is tactically astute and has experience in continental football, but that's not the direction Pirates are looking at taking right now.' Although Pirates have not yet made an official announcement on who will succeed Riveiro, the club appears to be casting its net in a different direction. The search for a head coach continues behind closed doors, with supporters eagerly awaiting an appointment that could shape the club's future ambitions. Who will suit Orlando Pirates best as a head coach, if not Ouaddou? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send 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.
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates pull plug on R70m star: Kaizer Chiefs in the hunt
Orlando Pirates have officially stepped back from the race to sign Congolese goal machine Fiston Mayele, despite years of admiration and attempts to lure him to Soweto. The Buccaneers had identified the Pyramids FC striker as a top priority, dating back to the era of Spanish head coach José Riveiro. At the time, Pirates sought to strengthen their frontline with a proven finisher, and Mayele ticked all the right boxes. 'Orlando Pirates have been interested in Fiston Mayele since the time they were still under Jose Riveiro as their coach,' confirmed a source. 'There have been several attempts to bring him to the club, and agents from both South Africa and abroad have tried to facilitate the deal. But the reality is, the player's value has soared beyond what is feasible in the local market.' Mayele has enjoyed a sensational campaign, spearheading Pyramids FC to their first-ever CAF Champions League triumph. The Congolese forward finished as the tournament's top scorer with nine goals, including decisive strikes against Orlando Pirates in the semi-finals and Mamelodi Sundowns in the final. The 30-year-old's performances on the continental stage have dramatically increased his market value. In the Egyptian Premier League, Mayele continued his stellar form, driving Pyramids to a second-place finish and a run to the Egypt Cup final. Reports from Egypt reveal that Pyramids have already tabled a lucrative contract extension worth approximately R70 million per season in a bid to retain their talisman. This massive financial package has made it nearly impossible for local clubs, including Pirates. Faced with this financial reality, Orlando Pirates have now redirected their focus to more attainable targets. While the Buccaneers have bowed out, Kaizer Chiefs remain interested in securing Mayele's services. The striker previously confirmed he held discussions with Amakhosi head coach Nasreddine Nabi, under whom he flourished at Young Africans SC in Tanzania. However, Mayele's soaring price tag presents a formidable obstacle for the Naturena-based side as well. With Orlando Pirates out, can Chiefs now seal the costly deal with Mayele? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send 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.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Rulani, Rapoo, and Monyane
Orlando Pirates are still without a replacement coach since the legendary Spaniard Jose Riveiro left the Betway Premiership for Al Ahly. Will his successor be Rulani Mokwena? Pitso Mosimane? Pablo Franco Martin? Or perhaps an unknown foreigner? In the meantime, Mokwena spoke to the media to touch on his past times with Orlando Pirates and what may happen in the future. Speaking to Robert Marawa on 947, Mokwena was asked if he had gained relevant experience to return to coaching the Buccaneers. Mokwena said, 'When I coached Orlando Pirates, most of the feeling was that I had potential. There was a strong connotation from a family perspective. But now the connection is not so much from a family perspective… Full story here. Paseko Mako has left the club, minus one left-back. According to this report, the Sea Robbers need an addition to compete and cover for Deon Hotto and Yanga Madiba. Kick Off believes that SuperSport United and Amajita captain Neo Rapoo has been noticed by the Orlando Pirates scouts… Full story here. Kaizer Chiefs will announce the former Orlando Pirates full-back Thabiso Monyane before the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season starts. Meanwhile, the 25-year-old has sent a word of gratitude to the club and its fans. 'As I close this chapter of my life, I'm filled with a mix of emotions – sadness to leave behind the only football home I've ever known, but also excitement for the new journey ahead,' said Monyane… Full story here. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send 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.
