Orlando Pirates complete signing of ‘special’ teenager Edmilson Chaney

Orlando Pirates have signed teenage midfielder Edmilson Chaney from Hope FC after he helped The Immortals win the 2025/26 ABC Motsepe League national play-offs.

Chaney attracted significant interest following a series of impressive performances in the competition, where Hope FC were crowned champions after beating North-West University Institute of Soccer 5-3 on penalties in the final at Mthatha Stadium in the Eastern Cape.

Pirates are understood to have beaten competition from Kaizer Chiefs and Durban City to secure the teenager’s services. An insider at Hope FC has described Chaney as a “special” player, while also stressing the importance of giving him the right support as he develops.

“He is a very good player; he has a good attitude. When I fetched him at a team called Valhalla United at the beginning of last season, I told the coach, ‘This boy is special; he needs a bit of guidance, and also the freedom to grow,” a well-placed source told KickOff.

The source said Hope FC had followed that approach during Chaney’s time at the club, with coach Dylan Dean playing an important role in his progress.

“And we did exactly that. Coach Dylan Dean believed in him from the beginning until the end, and we’re excited and happy for him with the progress he has made over the last year. He worked hard; he sacrificed a lot; hence, he performed the way he did during the ABC Motsepe League national play-offs.

“The cherry on top is that he got signed by Pirates,” the source said.

Chaney’s performances during the national play-offs came at the end of a breakthrough season and helped propel him into the spotlight. His move to the Buccaneers also gives him the opportunity to continue his development at one of South Africa’s leading clubs, with the 2026/27 season already under way.

However, the Hope FC insider believes the way Chaney is introduced to his new surroundings will be important. The source suggested that the teenager should train alongside experienced players from whom he can learn, while being allowed the time and space to mature.

“He is a special talent if guided properly, allowed to train with the players he can learn from and grow. He will take a big step in the future. But if he goes and plays in the DDC, I’m afraid it is going to be a challenge for him to grow,” the source cautioned.

Chaney can also operate as a winger and began his football development in the Cape Town Spurs academy. His progression at Hope FC, followed by his performances in the ABC Motsepe League national play-offs, has now earned him a move to Orlando Pirates.