Latest news with #ChippaUnited
The South African
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates send home trialist after short training stint
Orlando Pirates have reportedly closed the door on Zambian striker Enock Sakala Jr., ending his brief trial with the club following an unfortunate injury blow. The 23-year-old, who previously featured for Chippa United and Egyptian outfit Modern Sport, joined the Buccaneers' pre-season camp in Johannesburg at the start of July, hoping to earn a permanent contract. However, Sakala has now returned to Zambia, with little hope of signing for the Soweto giants ahead of the 2025/2026 season. Sakala impressed early on in training, showing strong intent and sharpness in front of goal. But his progress came to a sudden halt when he sustained an injury that ultimately ended his trial prematurely. 'Enock Sakala Jr. has gone back home to Zambia after picking up an injury while on trial at Pirates. He was doing well and showing signs of hunger, but the knock proved to be costly. He is unlikely to get the deal now and it's unclear if he will be getting another opportunity at the club any time soon,' said a source. The setback not only robbed Sakala of vital momentum but also forced Pirates to reconsider his potential contribution to the squad. Despite Sakala's exit, the Orlando Pirates technical team remains eager to bolster their attack. With a long and competitive season ahead, the club is actively exploring options to find the right striker to strengthen their frontline. The Buccaneers are preparing for a high-stakes campaign, and squad depth in the attacking department remains a key priority. Should a suitable candidate emerge, Pirates are ready to act swiftly in the transfer market. Do Orlando Pirates need another forward? 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
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates transfer news: New foreign striker, Lepasa out?
Orlando Pirates are reportedly on the brink of signing Zambian striker Enock Sakala Jr. during this pre-season. The Buccaneers have made 11 new signings but only one of them is a striker. Last season, the team struggled for goals and will at times, rely on Mohau Nkota and Relebohole Mofokeng for goals as their strikers were misfiring. The lanky striker, linked with Orlando Pirates, briefly played for Chippa United,d where he only netted once in six matches. Soccer Laduma reported that the Buccaneers are looking at Sakala as they look for another striker. 'He seems to have impressed during his time with the squad, but Pirates are still keeping their options open,' a source from Zambia told the publication. 'They might be looking at other strikers internationally and will go with someone who can hit the ground running – a forward who can immediately help them score goals and compete for trophies,' the source said. So far, Orlando Pirates have Tshegofatso Mabasa, Evidence Makgopa, Boitumelo Radiopane and Yanela Mbuthuma in the strikers department. Zakhele Lepasa, who has not played for the club since the 2023/24 season, could be on his way out of the club. He didn't travel with the squad for their pre-season tour to Spain. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
‘My blood is red, my skin is black': Orlando Pirates lose another youth product
Orlando Pirates youth product Azola Tshobeni shared a heartfelt message with the club ahead of his move to Chippa United. ADVERTISEMENT The 23-year-old midfielder came from the Buccaneers' development ranks, but failed to break into the first team. Having spent time with JDR Stars on loan, Tshobeni will now play for the Chilli Boys this coming season. In his message, the departing Orlandi Pirates midfielder thanked the club for nurturing him. 'This club took me in as a young boy, nurtured me, and helped shape me into who I am today – not just as a player, but as a person, both on and off the pitch. For that, I will be forever grateful. 'To the Club, the Chairman, the incredible supporters, all the coaches-from development to the first team – and, most of all, to my teammates, who I've had the privilege of sharing a locker room with for all these years, I can't thank you enough. You've all been a part of this journey, and I'll carry those moments with me forever. ADVERTISEMENT Orlando Pirates youth product joins Chippa 'It's been an honour to represent one of the biggest clubs on the continent for so long, especially at such a young age. I'm proud of what we've achieved together, and I know my family shares that pride. 'But as much as this chapter has meant to me, it's time for me to embrace new challenges and see the full extent of the potential I know I have. 'My blood is Red, my skin is black, and my bones are white. Thank you for everything.' Another Orlando Pirates youth product who recently left is Mohau Nkota. The 20-year-old made a surprise move to Saudi Arabia earlier this month. ADVERTISEMENT Who should Pirates buy next? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates leave Sakala amid hunt for proven striker
Orlando Pirates recently gave Zambian forward Enock Sakala Jr. a shot to impress during their pre-season, but the club continues to explore international striker options to strengthen their frontline ahead of the 2025/2026 campaign. The 23-year-old striker, last seen turning out for Chippa United, joined the Buccaneers' early pre-season training sessions in Johannesburg. Although Pirates have not officially announced him as a new signing, Sakala appeared in training footage from the camp, sparking a wave of speculation among supporters and media. Reports indicate that Sakala left a solid impression on the coaching staff during his time with the team. However, his limited game time last season, just six appearances and a solitary goal since joining Chippa in February, may have raised concerns about his readiness to make an immediate impact. Despite the positive signs, Pirates have not yet sealed a deal with Sakala. Fresh information from Zambia hints that the club may be leaning towards a more experienced and impactful addition to their attack. 'He seems to have impressed during his time with the squad, but Pirates are still keeping their options open,' a source said. 'They might be looking at other strikers internationally and will go with someone who can hit the ground running, a forward who can immediately help them score goals and compete for trophies,' the source added. With the season opener fast approaching, Pirates are finalising their squad. Their first competitive clash comes next Saturday in the MTN8 quarter-final against Polokwane City. The battle for attacking slots remains fierce. Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa lead the line with authority, while Boitumelo Radiopane continues to push for more minutes. New recruit Yanela Mbuthuma has also entered the picture. Increasing the pressure on any new arrival to prove themselves instantly. Will Orlando Pirates sign another forward? 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
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates sell prodigy once dubbed as 'the next big thing'
An Orlando Pirates midfielder has completed a permanent move to Betway Premiership rivals Chippa United. The Buccaneers have been busy in the transfer market in terms of both incoming and outgoing players. Now, the latest exit has been confirmed by the player himself! READ MORE • Mamelodi Sundowns star set for European switch! READ MORE • R20 million Mamelodi Sundowns star wanted by Siwelele FC! 23-year-old Orlando Pirates midfielder Azola Tshobeni has completed a permanent move to Chippa United. The talented midfielder burst onto the scene back in 2020 after graduating from the club's academy. After a string of strong performances, much was expected from the silky smooth midfielder. However, competition for places meant Orlando Pirates opted to loan their rising star out in 2021. Tshobeni would spend the next three seasons out on loan and now, his permanent exit has been confirmed. He leaves Orlando Pirates having made 11 first team appearances for the club, as per Transfermarkt . The player's representative P Management Sports confirmed his move to Chippa United on Tuesday evening. READ MORE • How much Pirates paid for Oswin Appollis! While his talent was undeniable. What do you think went wrong for Azola Tshobeni at Orlando Pirates? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
