Hope FC close in on Orlando Pirates defender Mphekgoane ahead of first Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign

Newly promoted Motsepe Foundation Championship side Hope FC are close to agreeing a deal with Orlando Pirates for highly rated defender Moses Mphekgoane as they look to strengthen ahead of their debut season in South Africa’s second tier.

The 21-year-old, who captained Pirates’ reserves, led the Buccaneers to their first DStv Diski Challenge title in 11 years and is seen as a key target for the ambitious club, nicknamed “The Immortals”.

Talks between Hope FC and Pirates are at an advanced stage, with an agreement believed to be near as Hope FC move to reinforce their back line before the new campaign gets under way.

Hope FC’s first season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship is due to start on 22 August, when they face the University of Pretoria, and the club is keen to have Mphekgoane in place as soon as possible.

Defensive rebuild around experienced core

Should the move be finalised, Mphekgoane would join a squad expected to be led by experienced figures Clayton Daniels and Zama Diyelela in the coming campaign.

Daniels, a seasoned defender with extensive top-flight experience, and Diyelela are set to be central to Hope FC’s plans as they adjust to the demands of the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Mphekgoane’s arrival would add further leadership qualities at the back, following his successful spell as captain of Pirates’ reserve team during their title-winning DStv Diski Challenge season.

Captaincy and success at Orlando Pirates

Mphekgoane played a pivotal role as Orlando Pirates secured the DStv Diski Challenge crown, ending more than a decade without the reserve league title.

Wearing the armband, he marshalled the Buccaneers’ back line throughout the campaign, helping them secure what was described as a landmark success for the club’s development structures.

Off the pitch, Mphekgoane has also drawn admiration for combining his football responsibilities with university studies.

Academic success alongside football

During his time with Orlando Pirates’ reserves, Mphekgoane completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.

His BCom in Finance includes specialisations in Corporate Finance & Investment as well as Insurance & Risk Management, underlining his commitment to academic progress alongside his football career.

Hope FC are now attempting to convert their long-standing interest in the defender into a completed deal before the Motsepe Foundation Championship season begins, as they seek to establish themselves in the division following promotion.