Baloni seals Leicesterford City move after year out of football

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Siphelo Baloni has returned to professional football with a move to Motsepe Foundation Championship side Leicesterford City after spending an entire season without a club.

The 26-year-old, who missed the whole of last season through injury, has signed for Leicesterford ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, with the second-tier club viewing him as a key part of their push for promotion.

Baloni had been training and undergoing assessment with Leicesterford for an extended period, and Soccer Laduma reports that the club has now finalised a deal to bring him in on a permanent basis.

The midfielder was released by Orlando Pirates at the end of the 2024/25 season, following a loan spell at Chippa United. During that campaign he featured for the Gqeberha club but missed the final stages of the season after suffering an injury, which ultimately sidelined him for the entirety of last term.

Leicesterford move to plug midfield gap

Leicesterford have been active in trying to strengthen their midfield options after the departure of Fortune Makaringe, and see Baloni as a player who can help fill that void.

The club are aiming to mount a serious challenge for promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship in the upcoming season, and believe Baloni’s arrival will add depth and quality in the centre of the pitch.

While no contract details have been made public, the signing marks a significant step in Baloni’s bid to relaunch his career following a lengthy spell out of the game.

Mdunge to stay on loan

Leicesterford will also retain winger Sphamandla Mdunge for another season, with the player set to continue on loan from Orlando Pirates.

Mdunge became one of Leicesterford’s standout performers in the second half of last season, having initially spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Upington City. His form after arriving mid-season helped to raise his profile within the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

The decision to keep Mdunge for another year provides continuity in wide areas as Leicesterford reshape their squad around new and returning faces.

Former Chiefs duo assessed

Leicesterford have also taken a look at two former Kaizer Chiefs players, Sabelo Radebe and Ayanda Rorwana, in recent weeks.

Both players have been assessed by the club as potential additions, but there is currently no indication that either has been offered a contract.

For now, the focus at Leicesterford appears to be on integrating Baloni into the squad and capitalising on Mdunge’s renewed loan as they prepare for the start of the 2026/27 Motsepe Foundation Championship season.