Fresh from securing highly rated left-back Neo Rapoo from Siwelele FC, Orlando Pirates have moved swiftly to conclude another major piece of business by winning the race for Golden Arrows attacker Siyanda Ndlovu.
FARPost has it on good authority that Ndlovu is set to become Pirates’ next signing as the club continues an aggressive recruitment drive ahead of the 2026/27 season. An agreement has been reached between Pirates and Arrows, while the player is also understood to be satisfied with the personal terms offered by the Soweto giants.
The recently crowned Betway Premiership champions have already secured Rapoo, Bohlale Ngwato and Gamphani Lungu from Siwelele FC, while former Richards Bay FC defender Sbangani Zulu and ex-Stellenbosch FC midfielder Mthetheleli Mthiyane have also joined the Buccaneers.
Ndlovu emerged as one of the most sought-after players in local football following a breakthrough campaign with Arrows. The versatile attacker attracted interest from several clubs, including Mamelodi Sundowns, who were believed to have tabled an offer for the player.
However, Pirates have won the race for his signature, adding another exciting attacker to a squad already brimming with talent. The Ndlovu move represents another significant statement of intent from the Buccaneers, who will represent the country in the CAF Champions League alongside the newly crowned African champions, Sundowns.
WHY SIYANDA NDLOVU IS A PERFECT FIT FOR ORLANDO PIRATES
Former Pirates winger Lebohang Mokoena previously backed Ndlovu as a perfect fit for the Buccaneers’ style of play.
“We love our wingers at Pirates. For me, Siyanda is just a typical Orlando Pirates winger,” Mokoena said on the Soccer Beat podcast. “I think Siyanda would fit in very well because of the type of football Pirates play. He has the speed going forward…”
Ndlovu delivered an outstanding season under head coach Manqoba Mngqithi. His impressive performances earned him the Betway Premiership Player of the Month award for September/October, making him the first Golden Arrows player to receive this honour. He also took home the Goal of the Month award for a remarkable solo effort against Stellenbosch FC. To top off a successful year, Ndlovu was named KZN Sports Personality of the Year.
The numbers further highlight his impact. According to Opta Jabu, Ndlovu ranked among the league’s elite creators, producing 59 chances during the 2025/26 season. Only Pirates stars Relebohile Mofokeng [91] and Oswin Appollis matched or bettered his creative output, while he finished ahead of experienced Buccaneers winger Deon Hotto.
Across all competitions, the 23-year-old made 31 appearances, scoring four goals and registering eight assists despite seeing parts of his campaign disrupted.
Ndlovu joined the Arrows first team in August 2023 after impressing in the DStv Diski Challenge and has enjoyed a remarkable rise since. Before breaking through at Arrows, he featured for amateur clubs Happy Crown FC and Newcastle All Stars.
His creativity, versatility and ability to thrive in one-versus-one situations have made him one of the most exciting young attackers in the country.
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