Thuso Moleleki set for Kruger United move after Lerumo Lions trial

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Thuso Moleleki is poised to return to the Betway Premiership with newly promoted Kruger United, despite having spent the past few weeks being assessed by Motsepe Foundation Championship club Lerumo Lions.

The 26-year-old had been looking for his next opportunity after leaving the Soweto club at the end of last season. Moleleki joined Orlando Pirates from Orbit College in 2024, but spent last season back at Orbit College on loan after finding it difficult to establish himself in the Buccaneers’ first team.

His recent spell with Lerumo Lions had appeared to point towards a return to the National First Division, with the attacking midfielder attempting to earn a contract at the North West-based club.

However, that expected move has taken a different direction.

Moleleki is now set to join Kruger United, who have recently secured promotion to the Betway Premiership. Sources indicate that the Mpumalanga-based club acted quickly to complete the deal and went to “fetch” the player from Lerumo Lions last Wednesday.

The midfielder is understood to have already signed for Kruger United, although the move is still being described in terms of his expected return to top-flight football. His arrival would give the newly promoted side a player with experience of professional football as they prepare for their first campaign in the country’s top division.

Moleleki’s departure from Orlando Pirates followed a period in which he was unable to secure a regular place in the senior side. After joining the club from Orbit College, he struggled to make a sustained impact in the first team and subsequently spent the previous season on loan.

His move to Kruger United gives him another chance to demonstrate his ability at the highest level. The attacking midfielder was previously regarded as a promising player, but his time at Orlando Pirates did not produce the breakthrough he would have hoped for.

For Kruger United, the signing is part of the challenge of assembling a squad capable of competing in the Betway Premiership. The club will be embarking on a historic maiden season at that level and will hope Moleleki’s experience can help strengthen the team as they adjust to top-flight football.

The midfielder’s immediate future had looked uncertain while he underwent assessment at Lerumo Lions. Instead, his next step now appears likely to be a return to the Premiership, with Kruger United moving to secure his services before the start of their campaign.

Moleleki will also see the move as an opportunity to revive his career after his difficult spell at Orlando Pirates and establish himself once again in South African top-flight football.