Pirates acquire services of Zim AFCON standout and Chabastane

Orlando Pirates have ramped up their pursuit of the Betway Premiership title with a high-profile double swoop, confirming the signings of 2025 AFCON star Daniel Msendami and defender Mpho Chabastane from Marumo Gallants.

The Zimbabwean international, fresh from a standout campaign in Morocco, is expected to inject immediate pace and creativity into the Buccaneers’ attack, while Chabastane arrives as a crucial tactical addition to provide balance as a left-footed specialist in defence. Both players have already departed to join the squad’s mid-season training camp in the North West Province.

The move marks a busy January window for the Sea Robbers, following the earlier high-profile acquisition of Andre De Jong. These latest additions are expected to provide both tactical flexibility and depth as the club looks to end its 13-year league title drought.

@orlandopirates is pleased to welcome Msendami and Chabatsane to the Buccaneers family.

We wish them every success in this establishment.

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/zsB0I6qNRW

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) January 13, 2026

AFCON Star Msendami and Chabastane Head to the North West Camp

The two new arrivals address specific needs within the Bucs squad. Msendami, who impressed despite Zimbabwe’s group stage exit at AFCON in Morocco, brings explosive pace and creativity to the final third. On the other hand,  Chabastane fills the void left by Mbekezeli Mbokazi. As a left-footed center-back—a rare profile in the current squad—he offers much-needed balance to the defense and can also provide cover at left-back.

The duo won’t have time to linger. Pirates confirmed via an official statement on Tuesday that both players are heading straight to the North West Province, where the squad is currently undergoing a mid-season training camp during the final stages of AFCON.

“The Club looks forward to integrating both players into the group and believes they will add value and healthy competition within the squad,” the official statement reads.

The “Gallants Pipeline” Continues

This double deal further cements the strengthening alliance between Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants. Over the last two seasons, the Soweto giants have frequently looked to Gallants for reinforcements, notably securing head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and midfielder Masindi Nemtajela in the previous window.

Pirates management went out of their way to praise the “professional and cooperative” nature of the negotiations with Gallants, highlighting a rare level of synergy between two Premiership rivals.