Karim Kimvuidi has signed for Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Petah Tikva FC a few days after Orlando Pirates confirmed his departure.
The Congolese attacking midfielder joined the Buccaneers from Maritzburg United in July 2023 but spent last season away on loan at Israeli side FC Ashdod. He managed 25 appearances across all competitions at FC Ashdod, scoring four goals and providing two assists.
Signed by Jose Riveiro at Pirates, Kimvuidi, however, did not impress the Spaniard’s successor, Abdeslam Ouaddou, who first sent him out on loan to FC Ashdod and then offloaded him. Before the loan move, the Kinshasa-born star managed just two goals in 33 matches for the Buccaneers.
It is a record which might have discouraged Ouaddou from having him in his squad. Had he stayed, he would have been competing for playing time against Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi, Andre de Jong, Kabelo Dlamini and Cemran Dansin.
But being released by the Soweto giants appears to have paved the way for the 24-year-old to continue his club career in Europe. He joins Hapoel Petah Tikva on a one-year deal with an option to extend his contract by a further two years.
KARIM KIMVUIDI TO CONTINUE WITH CAREER IN EUROPE
Before being announced as a new Hapoel Petah Tikva signing, Kimvuidi was linked with a move to the French Ligue 2. But he remains in Israel, an environment he is familiar with from the season he spent at FC Ashdod.
“I’m excited to join the club. I’ve heard it’s a great club with a great history and a great crowd, and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone. I thank the coaching staff for their trust in me, and I’ll do everything I can to give back on the pitch,” Kimvuidi said after Hapoel Petah Tikva announced his signing on Sunday.
View this post on Instagram
Hapoel Petah Tikva finished sixth in the Israeli Premier League last season and advanced to the championship round. But from there, they missed out on the ticket to play in the qualification rounds of the UEFA Champions League, Conference League and Europa League.
RELATED STORY: Karim Kimvuidi bids farewell to Israel club with decision on Pirates future looming