DJ Cleo’s son Zoey Monyepao edges closer to Orlando Pirates first-team deal in Spain

Zoey Monyepao, son of well-known musician DJ Cleo, has moved a step nearer to securing a first-team contract with Orlando Pirates after making his senior bow in a pre-season friendly against Las Palmas in Spain.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper featured in Wednesday’s match as Pirates rounded off a demanding 24-hour period that had seen them lose 3-2 to Al Ittihad the previous day. The outing gave coaches another chance to assess Monyepao as the club reshapes its goalkeeping department ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Pirates made extensive changes to the side that faced Al Ittihad, handing a start in goal to Siyabonga Dladla, who has impressed in the DStv Diski Challenge and has operated as deputy to Sipho Chaine on the tour.

With the contest against Las Palmas still goalless midway through the second half, Monyepao was introduced in place of Dladla, marking his unofficial senior debut for the Soweto giants.

Buccaneers dominate as Monyepao holds firm

Although Monyepao’s workload was relatively light, Pirates were on the front foot for long spells and eventually claimed a 1-0 victory thanks to a late strike from Boitumelo Radiopane.

The tall keeper was, however, tested by two fierce efforts during his time on the pitch. One shot crashed against the post and another cannoned off the crossbar, but Monyepao was otherwise largely untroubled as Pirates controlled proceedings.

His appearance comes at a time of transition in the club’s goalkeeping ranks. Former second-choice keeper Melusi Buthelezi departed during the current transfer window to join Sekhukhune United, leaving Pirates to reassess their options behind established number one Chaine.

Dladla in frame as No.2, Monyepao pushes for promotion

Pre-season fixtures in Spain have underlined Dladla’s standing within the squad, with indications that the 21-year-old could begin the 2026-27 season as Pirates’ second-choice goalkeeper if no experienced alternative is brought in.

Monyepao, though, appears to have nudged himself ahead of fellow reserve keeper Ethan Visagie in the battle for a senior deal. Visagie spent last term turning out for Pirates’ Gauteng ABC Motsepe League side, while Monyepao has increasingly been involved with the first team.

The young stopper was invited to train with the senior squad in January, impressing the technical staff for a second time. His initial opportunity to work alongside the first team came under former head coach Jose Riveiro during a pre-season camp ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, although that stint did not lead to a promotion.

Carling All Stars exposure raises profile

Monyepao’s name first gained wider public attention in December 2023 when reports suggested he would replace Itumeleng Khune in the Carling All Stars XI, after Kaizer Chiefs suspended the veteran from all football activities.

Khune was later cleared to take part in the Carling Black Label exhibition match, meaning Monyepao remained on the bench as the All Stars defeated Stellenbosch 2-1. Khune, the former Bafana goalkeeper, was voted Man of the Match in that encounter.

Elsewhere in the Pirates goalkeeping department, Siphamandla Gumede recruited from Dondol Stars spent last season on loan at Gomora United in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, adding another layer of competition for places once he returns.

For now, though, Monyepao’s involvement in Spain, coupled with the recent exit of Buthelezi, has strengthened his prospects of finally securing the first-team contract that has so far eluded him at Orlando Stadium.