Orlando Pirates loanee Karim Kimvuidi has raised his hand for recognition by Abdeslam Ouaddou with another goal for Israeli Premier League side FC Ashdod against Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona on Sunday.
However, Ashdod lost 5-2 in the seven-goal thriller at home. Kimvuidi scored when their visitors were already five goals up after they had also missed a penalty.
The Congolese midfielder reduced the arrears in the 66th minute before his teammate Nehoray Dabush closed the scoring of the evening. Sunday’s result was Ashdod’s fifth successive league defeat and part of a nine-match winless run that also includes four draws.
That leaves them 11th on the 14-team Israeli Premier League standings after 18 rounds of games. In all competitions, Kimvuidi’s team has not won in 10 consecutive games.
KIMVUIDI’S SEASON AT ASHDOD SO FAR
Kimvuidi signed for Pirates in July 2023 after one season at Maritzburg United, whom he had joined from Daring Club Motema Pembe in Congo. But after struggling for consistency at the Buccaneers, a season-long loan deal at Ashdod was sealed.
Since arriving in Israel from Pirates in August 2025, Kimvuidi has made 12 league appearances, netting three goals and providing one assist. He has also featured in two Toto Cup matches and one Israel State Cup game, but has not scored or assisted.
However, what could be encouraging for the 23-year-old is that two of his three goals came in his last four games. Those four games were punctuated by an injury spell, which saw Kimvuidi missing four games.
Overcoming fitness issues to regain his scoring touch immediately is a message that could catch the attention of Ouaddou. The coach’s decision to bring Kimvuidi back next season depends on the player being prolific and improving his creativity for the rest of this campaign.
DOES OUADDOU HAVE SPACE FOR KIMVUIDI AFTER DE JONG’S ARRIVAL AND MBULE’S EXPLOITS?
Also comfortable as a winger, Kimvuidi is primarily an attacking midfielder, a position the Pirates appear well stocked. The recent signing of Andre de Jong led to Sinoxolo Kwayiba’s return to Chippa United.
There are also Sipho Mbule and Thalente Mbatha in the Pirates central midfield. That leaves the situation appearing like there is no place for Kimvuidi in Ouaddou’s squad. That presents the Congolese star with a challenge to further improve on his game for the Moroccan coach to create space for him.
Should Ouaddou frown upon the idea of the midfielder returning at the end of his loan spell, Ashdod have the first option to permanently sign him on a three-year permanent deal.
But if the Israeli side is not interested in taking him, Kimvuidi might have to look other options. Before heading to Ashdod, FARPost had reported that the player was a wanted man in Algeria. Former Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer was keen on having him at JS Kabylie.
The German was in search of an attacking midfielder and had an eye on Kimvuidi. Staying in Europe might work for the ex-Maritzburg United star in his bid to break into the DR Congo team.
He has tasted international football with the Leopards’ CHAN outfit, as well as the team for the CECAFA Championship. The player has set his sights on the DR Congo first team. The move to Israel was a challenge Kimvuidi looked forward to.
“Happy and excited for the new challenge that awaits me,” Kimvuidi said when he joined Ashdod.
“I have already gotten to know the players, the staff and the management. I thank them for how they welcomed me here. As a player I am very confident in my ability to help the team and am already waiting for the league to get underway.”
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