Sebelebele injury blow: Segolela breaks down why Bulelani Sigomoshe can fill the void

Bulelani Sigomoshe during Orlando Pirates' pitch inspection at Orlando Amstel Arena

Former Orlando Pirates speedy winger Tlou Segolela has weighed in on whether Kamogelo Sebelebele’s recent injury will open the door for the Buccaneers’ new signing, Bulelani Sigomoshe.

Sigomoshe joined the Soweto giants last month from the Betway Premiership newcomers Milford FC.

Pirates underwent a major restructuring in the right-back department during the last transfer window after parting ways with five players in the same position. The Sea Robbers cut ties with Deano Van Rooyen, Thabiso Lebitso, Bandile Shandu, and Siyabonga Ndlozi, and sent Tshepho Mashiloane on loan to Sekhukhune United.

Sebelebele suffered an injury setback during their 2-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final this past Saturday, 10 October, at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, deep in first-half stoppage time. The defender could not continue for the second stanza and was replaced by Oswin Appollis at the restart.

During the tournament’s awards presentation, Sebelebele was seen walking with crutches after sustaining a leg injury.

As a result, Sebelebele’s injury has created an opportunity for the former Milford man. Sigomoshe made his official debut for Pirates on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, helping the side secure a 3–0 victory against TS Galaxy at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto.

He started the encounter and provided an assist to cap off an impressive debut, before being replaced by Mthetheleli Mthiyane in the 56th minute.

Bulelani Sigomoshe during Orlando Pirates' pitch inspection at Orlando Amstel Arena
Bulelani Sigomoshe during Orlando Pirates’ pitch inspection at Orlando Amstel Arena. Photo: Orlando Pirates

‘HE’S A UNIQUE RIGHT-BACK’: TLOU SEGOLELA

Segolela believes newly signed defender Sigomoshe has all the qualities to thrive at the Soweto giants after his recent move from Milford FC.

“In football, what is most important is how one takes his opportunity; that’s the interesting part. For the boy, you know, he has been in the game for quite some time with Milford. If you check, he has played almost all the games for Milford,” Segolela told FARPost in an exclusive interview.

“Obviously, now the stage is a bit higher in terms of Pirates’ magnitude. But for the game itself, he has that ability and capability. He’s one of the interesting players. When he goes forward, he’s very interesting and very solid at the back. He can also chip in with assists, come in, and take shots.

“So, now it’s an opportunity for him to show why Pirates brought him in. But I believe in the boy. I have watched him for quite some time in the NFD. He’s a unique right-back that most South Africans haven’t seen. He’s different from your Sebelebele, more different from your Khuliso [Mudau] and Thabang [Matuludi]. The boy adjusts quickly; that’s why South Africans will see that in the right-back position, we are very blessed.

“I rate the boy very highly because I saw him closely even during the playoffs [PSL Promotional/Relegation Playoffs]. I also met him while I was still at Platinum City Rovers. He’s very defensive and very comfortable on the ball. So, he has all that is required for a proper right-back; he ticks all the boxes.”

RELATED STORY: Orlando Pirates snap up Milford right-back Sigomoshe

Editors Choice