Cyril Chibwe leaves Orbit College after reported contract breakdown

Cyril Chibwe has left Orbit College despite previously agreeing to stay with the club for the 2026/27 season, ending an unexpected change of circumstances for the experienced Zambia international goalkeeper.

Chibwe joined Orbit during the January transfer window, arriving ahead of the second half of the 2025/26 campaign as the club attempted to strengthen its squad and avoid relegation from the Betway Premiership.

The 32-year-old quickly became Orbit’s first-choice goalkeeper and provided experience and stability as the club battled to retain its place in South Africa’s top flight. However, those efforts were not enough to prevent relegation, with the Mswenko Boys dropping into the Motsepe Foundation Championship at the end of the season.

Orbit subsequently began a major rebuilding process, with a number of senior players released following the club’s relegation. Chibwe was not among those initially told to leave and, according to previous reports by KickOff.com, had agreed to a new one-year contract.

That agreement appeared to indicate that the goalkeeper would remain at Orbit as they prepared for their return to the second tier. He spent several weeks training with the squad during pre-season, further suggesting that his future had been settled.

However, information obtained by KickOff.com indicates that the planned continuation has now fallen through, with Chibwe having departed the club before the start of the new campaign.

The precise circumstances behind the decision remain unclear. It is understood, though, that issues connected to the completion of the contractual process contributed to the breakdown and ultimately led to the two parties going their separate ways.

Chibwe is now a free agent and can sign for another club before the 2026/27 season begins. His departure leaves Orbit without a goalkeeper who had been expected to bring top-flight experience to their attempt to rebuild after relegation.

The Zambian goalkeeper has played in the South African top flight and has several years of experience in South African football. That background is expected to make him an attractive option for clubs seeking an experienced and dependable goalkeeper.

Orbit had brought Chibwe in midway through the previous season specifically to help strengthen their squad during the fight against relegation. His steady performances quickly established him as the club’s preferred option in goal, but the team ultimately could not preserve its Betway Premiership status.

The club’s move into the Motsepe Foundation Championship has already prompted significant changes to the playing squad. Chibwe had appeared to be one of the senior figures retained as part of the next phase, only for his position to change after his pre-season involvement.

With the contractual matter unresolved, the goalkeeper will now look for a new opportunity elsewhere. Clubs considering additions before the new season may view his experience at the highest level of South African football and his status as a Zambia international as significant advantages.