Pirates winger Kimvuidi breaks silence on Israeli loan move

Orlando Pirates winger Karim Kimvuidi has broken his silence on his recent loan switch to Israeli club FC Ashdod.

The move was officially confirmed by the Buccaneers on Thursday, providing clarity after the midfielder was spotted playing for the Israeli side earlier in the week.

Neither club had initially announced the transfer, causing confusion when Kimvuidi appeared in FC Ashdod’s 2-0 loss to Hapoel Tel Aviv FC.

Pirates have since confirmed that the DR Congo-born player is on a season-long loan, with an option to make the move permanent for three years at the end of the campaign.

📰 𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 ☠️

Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm the departure of Karim Kimvuidi, who joins FC Ashdod on a season-long loan deal with the option to buy at the end of the term.

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/Oxd0fruGPs

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) August 14, 2025

Kimvuidi, who joined Pirates in July 2023, made 37 appearances for the club, tallying three goals and one assist. However, he struggled to secure a regular starting spot under former head coach Jose Riveiro, starting only a few matches last season.

Expressing his excitement for the new opportunity, Kimvuidi said he has received a warm welcome at his new club. “I have already gotten to know the players, the staff and the management, and I thank them for how they welcomed me here,” he said. “I am very confident in my ability to help the team and am already waiting for the league to get underway.”