Orlando Pirates starlet Jabulani Mokone has been spotted at KwaZulu-Natal’s Motsepe Foundation Championship side Midlands Wanderers.
The 21-year-old right-back was seen participating in Midlands Wanderers’ pre-season training camp in Mandeni, KZN, on Monday, 6 July.
According to local reports, Mokone is closing in on a season-long loan switch from the Buccaneers to the second-tier outfit to secure regular first-team football.
Mokone’s arrival at Wanderers comes on the back of an exceptional campaign with the Pirates reserve team. In May this year, the talented defender helped the Sea Robbers clinch their historic first-ever DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] title. The Buccaneers sealed the championship in style with a 2-0 victory over rivals Mamelodi Sundowns at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.
Pirates finished at the summit of the DDC table with an impressive 75 points from 30 matches, leaving Bafana Ba Style in second place with 69 points.
JABULANI MOKONE THE FAN FAVOURITE
In addition to his success in the reserve league, Mokone has already established himself as a fan favourite at Bucs. He was voted into the first two Carling All-Star teams, lifting the trophy on both occasions after defeating Stellenbosch FC in 2023 and Magesi FC in 2024.
This will not be Mokone’s first time in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. During the 2024/25 season, he was sent out on loan to Upington City FC to gain valuable experience.
During his stint with Bafana Ba Gucci, he was joined by his Pirates DDC teammate Seth Green. While Mokone looks set for another season in the National First Division [NFD], Green has since taken a step up, completing a permanent move to Betway Premiership side Durban City FC.
MIDLANDS WANDERERS RAIDING ORLANDO PIRATES AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON
Midlands Wanderers have already bolstered their squad to avoid a repeat of last season’s struggles. The KZN-based side escaped relegation last term, finishing 14th on the log with 33 points from 30 games.
Mokone is not the only reinforcement arriving from the Soweto giants. Midlands Wanderers have already successfully secured the services of Sonwabo Khumalo and Blessing Ngiba from Pirates.
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