Pirates snap up Gallants duo while Dithejane chooses Chicago Fire over Sundowns and Chiefs

Orlando Pirates have strengthened their squad ahead of the resumption of the Betway Premiership, securing Marumo Gallants duo Daniel Msendami and defender Mpho Chabatsane, while Puso Dithejane has resisted the temptation of a move to Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs in favour of Major League Soccer (MLS) with Chicago Fire.

The two Marumo Gallants signings are the Buccaneers’ third and fourth acquisitions of the current transfer window, following the earlier arrival of attacking midfielder Andre de Jong.

Both players will join the squad immediately, reuniting with former Siwelele sa Marumo teammate Masindi Nemtajela, who has already made a positive impression since joining earlier this season.

Msendami bolsters an already competitive Pirates midfield, particularly in wide areas, arriving on the back of a solid Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Zimbabwe. Although the Warriors exited at the group stage with just one point, the winger gained valuable international experience that should benefit him at club level. 

Chabatsane, meanwhile, is expected to strengthen the defensive unit and could help fill the gap left by Mbokazi, offering depth and healthy competition in the backline.

Speaking on the acquisitions, Orlando Pirates praised Marumo Gallants for the professional and cooperative manner in which the transfers were handled:

“The Buccaneers have reached an agreement with Marumo Gallants for the services of both players, with the transfers concluded on a permanent and immediate basis.

“Orlando Pirates would like to commend the leadership of Marumo Gallants for the professional and cooperative manner in which the transaction was handled.”

The club confirmed that both players will now join the rest of the squad as preparations continue ahead of the league’s resumption:

“Following the completion of all the necessary clearances, Msendami and Chabatsane will travel to the North West Province, where the squad is currently in camp and being put through their paces by the technical team.

“The Club looks forward to integrating both players into the group and believes they will add value and healthy competition within the squad.

“Orlando Pirates Football Club welcomes Daniel Msendami and Mpho Chabatsane and wishes them every success in their time at the Club.”

Meanwhile, Puso Dithejane has left TS Galaxy to join Chicago Fire, becoming the second South African player at the MLS club following former Orlando Pirates defender Mbokazi.

The 21-year-old former Kaizer Chiefs development player had been linked with moves back to Chiefs, as well as with Mamelodi Sundowns, but has opted to take his talents abroad early in his career.