Former Orlando Pirates defender Justice Chabalala is being assessed by Upington City FC as the promotion hopefuls look to tighten a defence that has conceded 10 goals so far this season.
FARPost has learnt that Chabalala arrived on Sunday and has been training with the Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit, hoping to secure a contract.
Upington will assess whether the experienced centre-back can strengthen their defensive options before deciding on a deal. The Northern Cape side are fifth on the standings and targeting automatic promotion to the Betway Premiership.
However, their contrasting returns at either end of the pitch point to an area they want to address. Upington have scored 12 goals, making them the division’s joint-leading scorers alongside Cape Town City FC. But they have also conceded 10, the same number as 13th-placed The Bees.
That defensive return has prompted the club to explore reinforcements, with Chabalala getting an opportunity to convince the technical team he can help their promotion push.
CHABALALA’S EXPERIENCE COULD OFFER UPINGTON A BOOST
The 34-year-old brings top-flight experience, having joined Pirates from Free State Stars in 2016. His career also includes loan spells at Bloemfontein Celtic and Sekhukhune United, while he previously captained Chippa United.
More recently, Chabalala joined Casric Stars in February 2026 after leaving Gomora United. At the time, his representative, Nimrod Mbhalati, said Casric’s ambitions and the chance to help guide younger players influenced the decision.
His experience now gives Upington an option to consider as they seek defensive stability to complement their scoring form. The assessment offers a chance to earn a place in another side with ambitions of reaching the Premiership.
A contract will depend on whether he convinces Upington that he can provide the reinforcement they need. Meanwhile, Upington take on Midlands Wanderers at 15h30 CAT.
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