Hope FC sign ex-Orlando Pirates midfielder Miguel Timm as ambitious rise continues

Newly-promoted Motsepe Foundation Championship side Hope FC have underlined their ambitions by signing former Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City midfielder Miguel Timm.

The Cape Town club, who only entered professional football last year after purchasing the status of Sea Point Swifts, confirmed the arrival of the 32-year-old as they prepare for life in South Africa’s second tier.

The move comes as Hope FC also assess former Bafana Bafana and Montpellier star Keagan Dolly following his release from Cape Town City.

Timm unveiled as latest major signing

Timm, who lifted the MTN8 with Pirates and boasts extensive experience in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), was unveiled by Hope FC on Tuesday after being released by Cape Town City.

In a statement announcing the deal, the club said: “We’re delighted to announce the signing of Miguel Timm.

“Bringing years of PSL experience, composure and leadership, Miguel adds another important piece to what we’re building at Hope FC.

“Welcome back to the Mother City. We wish you every success in the black & red.

“Let’s get to work.”

The move sees Timm return to Cape Town, where he previously played for Cape Town City before his stint in Soweto with Orlando Pirates.

Rapid rise after buying Sea Point Swifts’ status

Hope FC’s climb through the South African football ranks has been swift.

The club entered the ABC Motsepe League in 2025 after purchasing the status of Sea Point Swifts, and gained promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship at the first attempt.

Their success was built on an aggressive recruitment drive that brought in well-known PSL names including Craig Martin, Clayton Daniels, Ruzaigh Gamildien, Dean Solomons, Ayanda Patosi and Masilakhe Phohlongo.

Those signings helped turn the side into immediate contenders, with Hope FC securing promotion at the first time of asking.

Buchanan-led project keeps growing

Hope FC are overseen by chief executive Keagan Buchanan, himself a former top-flight midfielder, who has continued to build a squad packed with players familiar to PSL followers.

In addition to Timm, the club have added former Mamelodi Sundowns DStv Diski Challenge winger Selwyn Stevens to boost their attacking options.

Club sources say Hope FC are also currently assessing Keagan Dolly after his departure from Cape Town City, raising the prospect of another high-profile addition if the parties can reach an agreement.

The club, nicknamed “The Immortals”, are positioning themselves as serious contenders despite only just reaching the second tier, blending seasoned professionals with emerging talent as they target further promotion.

Timm’s arrival, and the possible recruitment of Dolly, underline Hope FC’s determination not merely to survive in the Motsepe Foundation Championship but to compete immediately at the top end of the division.