Former Orlando Pirates defender Ntsikelelo Nyauza joins Middelburg United

Former Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows defender Ntsikelelo Nyauza has joined Middelburg United in Mpumalanga, giving the ABC Motsepe League club a player with extensive top-level experience.

The 36-year-old defender, who was born in Matatiele, spent eight and a half years at Orlando Pirates between 2014 and 2022. His time with the Soweto club included success in the MTN8 Cup, which Pirates won in 2020, as well as a run to the 2021/2022 CAF Confederations Cup final, where they finished as runners-up.

Nyauza moved on from Orlando Pirates after that long spell and subsequently played for Richards Bay FC and Moroka Swallows. He later joined JDR Stars, who were competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship at the time.

He has now agreed to continue his career with Middelburg United, who compete in the ABC Motsepe League in Mpumalanga province.

The move was confirmed by Mamelodi Sundowns player Lucas “Makhokhoba” Sebona, who is also a manager at his hometown club, Middelburg United.

“We are putting together our team so nicely; we have signed Ntsikelelo Nyauza,” Sebona tells KickOff.

Nyauza’s arrival is part of Middelburg United’s preparations for the new season, with the club also appointing Johnny Ferreira as head coach.

“We have also appointed Johnny Ferreira as our head coach. He understands the kasi philosophy. We are looking at playing in the playoffs this season.”

The club will therefore begin the campaign with the stated ambition of reaching the playoffs, while Nyauza brings experience gained from his years in South African professional football.

During his career, Nyauza has been associated with Orlando Pirates, Richards Bay FC, Moroka Swallows and JDR Stars before making the move to Middelburg United. His spell at Orlando Pirates remains the longest period of his career, lasting from 2014 until 2022.

He has also represented the South African men’s football national team, Bafana Bafana.

Middelburg United are the same club where Ntuthuko Mlotshwa developed as a striker before progressing to higher-level football. Mlotshwa, who has newly signed for Betway Premiership club Chippa United, later moved to Motsepe Foundation Championship side Lerumo Lions last season.

At Lerumo Lions, Mlotshwa finished as the league’s joint top goalscorer before securing his move to Chippa United. His path from Middelburg United provides another link between the Mpumalanga club and players who have gone on to compete in South Africa’s professional divisions.

For now, Middelburg United’s immediate focus is on assembling a competitive squad under Ferreira. Sebona says the club is targeting a playoff place, with Nyauza’s experience forming part of that effort.