Mphekgoane drawing on title-winning mentors during Hope FC loan

Orlando Pirates defender Moses Mphekgoane says his loan spell at Hope FC is helping him develop as a centre-back by training alongside players with extensive experience of winning major honours in South African football.

The 21-year-old joined the Motsepe Foundation Championship newcomers after captaining Pirates to their first DStv Diski Challenge title in May 2026.

His move has marked a step into senior football, where he is now learning from established defenders and a coach who enjoyed a successful playing career at the highest level.

Mphekgoane is sharing a dressing room with Siyabonga Nhlapo, who has previously played for Bidvest Wits and SuperSport United. Hope FC are also managed by Clayton Daniels, a former centre-back who won trophies with Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United.

Speaking to Journalists at the University of Pretoria, where the South Africa U23 squad were preparing for their AFCON/Olympic Games qualifiers against Madagascar, Mphekgoane said the opportunity had created an ideal environment for his progression.

“From coach Clayton, there is Siya Nhlapo as well, a top experienced centre-back, including Clayton, so I feel like it’s a great space for me as a centre-back to learn from these guys, because they’ve done it all,” he said.

“They have league titles, played in the Bafana setup, so it’s just a joy for me. I’m enjoying the ride, I don’t want to lie.”

The young defender singled out Nhlapo for his professionalism and his readiness to support the club’s younger players.

“Very disciplined, he takes his career very seriously, he doesn’t play around, he is good guy. He keeps on motivating us. He knows the game, he sometimes helps in the changing room,” Mphekgoane said.

He also praised Daniels’ influence since taking charge of the club.

“Coach Clayton does a good job as well, under his management, I would say Hope FC is going far, I don’t want to lie,” the 21-year-old added.

Mphekgoane’s loan is giving him the chance to continue his transition from reserve-team football to the senior professional game, while benefiting from the guidance of defenders and coaches who have already experienced league success.

His immediate challenge is to turn that experience into further progress as he establishes himself in senior football.