In a surprise turn of events, Orlando Pirates’ latest acquisition, Abdoulaye Mariko, is heading to Chippa United on loan for the upcoming Betway Premiership season.
The Buccaneers are continuing their fruitful relationship in the transfer market with Chippa. In recent years, Pirates have recruited a handful of players from the Chilli Boys while trading some of their players in the opposite direction.
Pirates have signed players such as Paseka Mako, Linda Mntambo, Bienvenu Eva Nga, Thabiso Lebitso, and Sinoxolo Kwayiba in recent times.
On the other hand, the Eastern Cape-based side has benefited from recruiting experienced players from Pirates. In the current transfer window, Chippa have sold their key man, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, to the Soweto giants for the new campaign.
Last season, the talented attacker scored seven goals and provided one assist in his 28 appearances across all competitions for Chippa.
Kwayiba signed with Pirates alongside Sipho Mbule, Sihle Nduli, Yanela Mbuthuma, Tshepho Mashiloane, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Masindi Nemtajela, Oswin Appollis Tshepang Moremi, and Abdoulaye Mariko.
MARIKO RECENTLY SIGNED A TWO-YEAR DEAL WITH ORLANDO PIRATES
The central-midfielder joined Pirates from the Malian Premier Division side Djoliba; however, he will spend the 2025/26 season with Chippa United.
Mariko has already arrived in Gqeberha to complete a season-long loan move, where he’ll play under head coach Sinethemba Badela.
The highly-rated mentor joined Chippa United last month after spending the previous season at Wydad Casablanca, serving as an assistant coach to Rulani Mokwena.
After their exit from the Moroccan giants, Badela was roped in to replace Thabo September in the coaching position while Mokwena is still clubless.
Meanwhile, Chippa have also appointed Sinesipho Mali as their new sporting director. The former Kaizer Chiefs scout joined the Chippa Mpengesi-owned team after parting ways with Sekhukhune United at the end of last season.
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