Orlando Pirates sign New Zealand goalkeeper Dublin Boon from Stellenbosch FC

Orlando Pirates have signed New Zealand goalkeeper Dublin Boon from Stellenbosch FC in a swift move that takes the 21-year-old to the reigning Betway Premiership champions.

Boon’s agency confirmed the deal on social media, announcing that the goalkeeper had joined Orlando Pirates after a short spell with Stellenbosch FC.

“Chapter for our client @dub_bn19 joining the @officialpsl_za champions @orlandopirates.”

The representatives also thanked Stellenbosch FC for their contribution to Boon’s development.

“Thank you to @stellenbosch_fc for the professionalism and role in Dublin’s development thus far. The best is yet to come.”

Boon moved to Stellenbosch FC from Wellington Phoenix in August last year, after his contract with the A-League club expired in July. However, his time at the Cape Winelands side was brief, with Orlando Pirates moving to secure his services soon afterwards.

His arrival strengthens the goalkeeper group at Orlando Pirates, who have recently parted ways with Melusi Buthelezi.

Boon was raised in Canterbury, New Zealand, and began his junior career with Nomads United and Christchurch United. He made his first-team debut for Nomads United at the age of 15.

The goalkeeper then spent the 2023 season with Roda JC in the Eerste Divisie, the second tier of Dutch football, before returning to New Zealand to sign his first professional contract with Wellington Phoenix.

During the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign, Boon was Wellington Phoenix’s third-choice goalkeeper. He was named as an unused substitute in seven A-League matches after Alby Kelly-Heald suffered a season-ending injury.

Boon’s move means he now joins a club that has won the Betway Premiership, adding competition and depth to Orlando Pirates’ goalkeeping department. The transfer also brings a rapid change in his career path, with the young goalkeeper moving from a developmental role at Stellenbosch FC to the squad of South African champions.

Stellenbosch FC had signed Boon only last August after his departure from Wellington Phoenix, but Orlando Pirates’ interest has brought his stay in the Cape Winelands to an early end. His career has already taken him from youth football in Canterbury to the Netherlands, the A-League and now the Betway Premiership.

The deal was announced by Boon’s representatives rather than through details of the contract itself, and no further terms were provided.