Home » Betway Premiership » Pirates winger Msendami opens up on devastating personal loss

Pirates winger Msendami opens up on devastating personal loss

Daniel Msendami. Picture by Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates winger Daniel Msendami has revealed that his challenging start to life at the Buccaneers has been overshadowed by an unimaginable personal tragedy.

Msendami made a switch from Betway Premiership side Marumo Gallants to Pirates during the 2026 January transfer window.

The Zimbabwean international is yet to establish himself as a regular at the Soweto giants. He has made six substitute appearances, with four coming in the league. The former Jwaneng Galaxy attacker is yet to register a goal contribution.

Nonetheless, Warriors coach Marian Marinica called him up for the Mukuru Four Nations tournament held in Francistown, Botswana. The Romanian mentor even gave him a run in the semi-final against the hosts, introducing him as a substitute.

On the sidelines of the tournament, the 25-year-old revealed that he was still coming to terms with the heartbreaking passing of his two-month-old daughter. The tragedy has cast a long shadow over what should have been an exciting step forward in his career.

“I have put everything in God’s hands because He is the Almighty. Losing my daughter, whom I had just welcomed, was painful, but as I said, I leave everything to God,” Msendami said recently.

‘IT WAS A STEPPING STONE’: MSENDAMI

“I think it was a very good move [to Pirates], it was a big stepping stone, but I had some situations that affected me personally… like family matters. I’m trying to grow, I’m trying to settle in, and I’m sure I’ll do it. I’ll gel with the squad,” he told FARPost.

He added that the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament, won by the Warriors, arrived at exactly the right time. The man nicknamed ‘Ginger’ said the competition was a chance to find rhythm in a familiar national team environment.

“I really needed the minutes I got. When I go back, I’ll be ready. For us, it’s a very important tournament because it’s a chance for us to gel better and get to know each other. And to know the attributes of each one of us. It was very crucial for us. Thanks to Mukuru for uniting the SADC nations. They must continue funding these initiatives.”

The tournament has proven equally important for others in the squad. Teammate Isheanesu Mauchi, who recently moved to Chippa United, revealed how valuable the experience has been in building cohesion within the national setup. The 23-year-old benefited directly, playing 70 minutes in the semi-final and earning a start in the final.

“The timing of the competition was perfect; it came at the right time. I’ve just moved to a new team, and they’ve been helping me get my fitness back. It’s another chance to show my quality, which I didn’t get to do in the last camp.”