Orlando Pirates add goalkeeper Kgoleng Ratisani to DDC development set-up

Orlando Pirates have signed promising goalkeeper Kgoleng Ratisani from Sekhukhune United, continuing the club’s efforts to strengthen their development structures and build a pathway towards the senior team.

Ratisani’s move to the Buccaneers was confirmed by his agency, Prosport International, which announced on its official social media account that the goalkeeper had joined Pirates’ DDC set-up.

The youngster arrives at the Soweto club with experience of success at international youth level. He was part of the South African U20 national team that won the COSAFA championship, claimed the U20 AFCON title and secured qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup.

“Kgoleng Ratisani has joined Orlando Pirates DDC from Sekhukhune United. He brings valuable international experience, having been part of the SA U20 National Team that won COSAFA, lifted the U20 AFCON title, and qualified for the FIFA U20 World Cup,” confirmed Prosport International on their official X account.

Ratisani is expected to continue his development within Pirates’ youth structures after making the move from Sekhukhune United. His involvement in a successful South African age-group side gives him an important foundation as he adapts to his new club.

The transfer is another indication of the work being carried out behind the scenes at Orlando Pirates as the club looks to identify and develop players capable of competing for senior opportunities in the future.

Pirates continue to build their youth ranks

Ratisani is the latest promising youngster to join the Buccaneers’ development system. As previously reported by the Siya crew, Pirates have also added defender Milimo Nalumango to their youth ranks.

Nalumango is a 19-year-old centre-back who came through the SuperSport United academy before continuing his career abroad. He joined Orlando Pirates from German club DFI Bad Aibling.

Former Buccaneers players James Mothibi and Perry Mutapa were influential in helping guide Nalumango towards the club.

The arrivals of Nalumango and Ratisani underline Pirates’ continued focus on recruiting young talent and improving the depth of their development structures. With opportunities for academy players increasingly part of the discussion at the club, both newcomers will aim to progress towards senior football.

For Ratisani, the move provides a new platform after his time at Sekhukhune United. His immediate priority will be to establish himself within the Pirates youth set-up, continue developing as a goalkeeper and use his international experience to push towards a first-team opportunity in the coming seasons.

Elsewhere in South African football, a fixture between Chippa United and Mamelodi Sundowns is set for a venue change after a stadium failed a Premier Soccer League inspection. A South African winger has also made a CAF debut in Sudan.