Orlando Pirates Transfers: Pirates Trialist Makes Shock Switch to Another PSL Side

Rethabile Nyelele16 September , 2025

2 2 minutes read

Orlando Pirates Transfers: Pirates Trialist Makes Shock Switch to Another PSL Side — Image: X

Orlando Pirates look set to miss out on signing Nigerian centre-back Chimzulam Collins Nwoburuoke. This is after the towering 22-year-old stopped training with the club. The defender had been trialling with the Soweto giants but is now expected to sign a deal with newly-promoted Durban City FC.

From Soweto to Durban – A Twist in the Tale

Nwoburuoke’s journey has been eventful. The former Abia Warriors player first trialled with Durban City in August before making his way to Pirates. While he impressed the Buccaneers’ technical team, no deal materialised, paving the way for his return to Durban.

Sources have confirmed that the final details of his contract are being ironed out, and Durban City are set to announce him as their latest signing. “He’s a good player who is definitely going to add value to Durban City,” a source close to the deal told FARPost.

Orlando Pirates trialist Chimzulam Collins Nwoburuoke is set to complete a move to PSL side Durban City FC after spending the past few days training with the Buccaneers.#FARPost | By @TshepoRabothe1 https://t.co/iZpDoVG2lH
— FARPost_ZA (@FARPostZA) September 15, 2025

Also read: Two Mystery Players Spotted at Orlando Pirates Training Ahead of MTN8 Final

Durban City Continue Aggressive Recruitment

Durban City are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare for their first season in the Betway Premiership. The KwaZulu-Natal club clinched promotion after winning the Motsepe Foundation Championship and have been busy reshaping their squad.

They appointed veteran coach Gavin Hunt to lead their campaign and brought in Ernst Middendorp as technical director. The club has already secured several key signings, including goalkeeper Darren Keet, midfielders Thabo Nodada and Haashim Domingo, as well as defender Liam de Kock. Nwoburuoke is expected to provide cover for first-choice centre-backs Siphamandla Ncanana and De Kock.

Also read: Durban City Announce Squad Boost with Former Bafana Goalkeeper

Pirates Remain Well-Stocked in Defence

Despite missing out on Nwoburuoke, Pirates remain strong in central defence. The Buccaneers boast six quality options at the back, including Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Lebone Seema, Tapelo Xoki, Olisa Ndah, and Thabiso Sesane.

The Sea Robbers’ focus now shifts to continental duty. They will face Lesotho’s Lilio in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League on Saturday, 20 September. With no CAF-approved stadium in Lesotho, the fixture will be staged at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Durban City’s Statement of Intent

For Durban City, landing Nwoburuoke underlines their ambition to compete with the best. After initially deciding against signing him earlier in the off-season, the club made a U-turn following his performances at Pirates. His addition is expected to strengthen their defensive depth and give Hunt more options as they look to secure their Premiership status.

With the deal expected to be completed in the coming days, all eyes will be on Durban City to see whether Nwoburuoke can make an immediate impact in their debut top-flight campaign.