Snl24 | Pirates new signing get thumbs up yet again

NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 24: Jose Riveiro of Orlando Pirates during the Nedbank Cup, Last 32 match between Crystal Lake FC and Orlando Pirates at Mbombela Stadium on February 24, 2024 in Nelspruit, South Africa. (Photo by Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images)

eMalahleni United boss Mandla ‘Metro’ Bodibe believes that Orlando Pirates new signing Dimpho Madalane has all the qualities to develop into a great player in the PSL as he prepares to begin a professional career from the upcoming season.

Madalane is among the new players paraded by Pirates during their recent pre-season tour of Spain.

The 19-year old was recruited by the Buccaneers during the Pirates Cup U21 tournament that took place in Johannesburg last year.

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‘Khalabemgeza’, as he is popularly known, was on the wanted list of TS Galaxy before moving to Gauteng to sign with the Soweto giants.

The youngster is expected to compete with Paseka Mako, Innocent Maela and Deon Hotto for the left-back position at Pirates during the 2024/05 season.

Bodibe says Madalane will shine at Ezimnyama Ngenkani if given the opportunity to play. 

“He is a very good player. We recruited him in Middelburg last year for the Pirates Cup. He did well during the tournament . There were a few teams that were interested, including TS Galaxy. Pirates showed more interest,” revealed Bodibe.

“He is very good both defensively and offensively. He is a hard-working, well-disciplined boy. Pirates have a history of developing unknown players. He is at the right club. It will be interesting to see him develop into a great player from a lower division,” he added.

Bodibe is echoing the sentiments of Andries Sebola, who told this publication that the youngster is as good as Barcelona and Spain sensation Lamine Yamal.

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eMalahleni United currently campaign in the SAFA Nkangala Regional League.

Madalane is the second player from the club to join a PSL team after striker Thokozane Sibanyoni was snapped up by Galaxy.

Like Madalane, he too was recruited during the Pirates Cup U21 tournament. 

Meanwhile, Pirates have loaned out midfielder Cebo Mchunu to Milford FC in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Mchunu spent time with Pretoria Callies last season.