Orlando Pirates to secure Sihle Nduli as Kaizer Chiefs miss out again.
The Bucs have pulled off a major coup by landing Stellenbosch FC’s midfield general, on a free transfer. The 29-year-old will join the Buccaneers at the end of the current season when his contract with the Cape Winelands club expires.
Nduli has drawn significant interest from Gauteng-based giants after cementing his place as one of Stellenbosch’s top performers over the past two seasons. Since Sibongiseni Mthethwa’s departure to Kaizer Chiefs, Nduli stepped up as Steve Barker’s midfield lynchpin and transformed into a dominant force at the base of the team.
CAF Confed hero joins Pirates
This season, Nduli didn’t miss a beat, starting in 41 matches and netting a single, yet unforgettable, goal. That strike came in Cairo, where he scored the historic winner that eliminated Zamalek and sent Stellenbosch into the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Having joined Stellies from TS Galaxy in July 2022, Nduli quickly passed the 100-appearance mark. His consistency and big-match temperament made him an obvious target for South Africa’s biggest clubs.
Pirates beat Chiefs to signature
Both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs expressed interest in the midfielder, especially as his contract neared its end in June. However, a well-placed source has confirmed that Nduli has already given a verbal commitment to join the Soweto giants in Mayfair.
“Looks like he is going to Mayfair (Orlando Pirates), and to think Chiefs were so close in the last window. But we know that Pirates are cleaning house and will need to bring in replacements for people like Makhaula, who has done so well but is on the wrong side of 30 now,” said the well-placed source.
Kaizer Chiefs left frustrated yet again
Kaizer Chiefs had made a strong push to sign Nduli during the January transfer window, as previously reported. Missing out on him now will sting even more, considering how close they were to finalizing a deal.
Nduli’s arrival at Pirates signals a clear intent to refresh their midfield, with veterans like Makhaula approaching the twilight of their careers. The Buccaneers’ proactive move underscores their ambition to challenge on all fronts next season.
Stay tuned with The South African as Orlando Pirates secure Sihle Nduli.
Is Nduli the signing the Buccaneers need?
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