Orlando Pirates are in pole position to secure the signing of highly rated Hope FC youngster Edmilson Chaney following his standout role in the club’s historic promotion-winning season.
FARPost has established that the 19-year-old attacker is on the verge of joining the Buccaneers after attracting interest from several Betway Premiership clubs, including Kaizer Chiefs, Durban City, TS Galaxy and AmaZulu FC.
However, Pirates have emerged as the frontrunners and are now closing in on completing the deal for one of the country’s brightest lower-division prospects.
Chaney was instrumental in Hope FC’s remarkable 2025/26 campaign, helping the Western Cape outfit secure promotion before they were crowned ABC Motsepe League national champions. Hope defeated the North West University of Soccer
Institute 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Sunday’s final at Mthatha Stadium to lift the national title. Ironically, the triumph was followed by the departure of head coach Dylan Deane, who was relieved of his duties despite guiding the club to promotion and national honours.
PIRATES LEADING THE RACE FOR EDMILSON CHANEY
Further indication that Chaney is set to move on came when Hope FC recently announced the first group of players retained for next season’s Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign.
The club confirmed the return of Manelisi Ralasi, Masilake Phohlongo, Jalyle Williams, Leathan Croats and Dilorenzo Lombard. Notably absent from the list were Chaney, Liam April and Obakhe Tshaya.
April has been linked with a move to Durban City, while Tshaya is understood to be heading to Chippa United, strengthening the expectation that Chaney is also set for a transfer.
Hope FC have already begun planning for life in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The club recently completed the signing of former Stellenbosch FC academy left-back Tyler Cicero on a two-year contract as they prepare for their debut campaign in the second tier.
For Pirates, Chaney fits the profile of the club’s ongoing recruitment strategy, which has increasingly focused on identifying and developing the country’s top young talent before they become established Premiership players.
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