Orlando Pirates have completed the signing of defender Nkosikhona Ndaba from Richards Bay FC ahead of new season, FARPost has established.
While searching for a new coach after Jose Riveiro’s departure, Ezimnyama Ngenkani are already active in the market, reinforcing their squad for the incoming mentor.
It is also still likely they will part ways with some players, including those whose contracts expire at the end of the season.
NDABA TO PIRATES, A DONE DEAL
FARPost has been informed that Pirates have concluded a deal with Richards Bay over the transfer of left-back Ndaba, who has caught the eye, particularly this season.
The 22-year-old defender earned promotion to the senior team in 2023, following a season spent with the club’s DStv Diski Challenge side.
He made his senior team debut on 11 December in the same year, featuring in the league match against the now-defunct Royal AM at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
The KZN-born defender has made 41 appearances across all competitions for the Natal Rich Boyz since he was promoted.
RICHARDS BAY DEFENDER COMING IN AS MAELA’S REPLACEMENT?
Ndaba’s signing will significantly bolster the left-back position, a crucial move given reports that club captain Innocent Maela might not feature in a playing capacity next season.
Maela will be out of contract in June, having struggled for game time. Speaking to the media recently, he said, “you can’t play the game forever”, adding that the club would release the statement about his future in due course.
Whenever Paseka Mako was unavailable, Jose Riveiro primarily opted to use the left-winger Deon Hotto at left-back, with Maela featuring off the bench on a few occasions.
With Mako not struggling much with injuries this season, he made 26 appearances in all competitions.
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