Orlando Pirates backed to develop another future first-team defender

Orlando Pirates believe they may have uncovered another promising young player in 19-year-old centre-back Milimo Nalumango, who has been recommended to the club by former Buccaneers players James Mothibi and Perry Mutapa.

Nalumango has joined Pirates from German club DFI Bad Aibling and is expected to begin his time at the Soweto club within its development structures.

People familiar with the move say Mothibi and Mutapa played an influential part in guiding the defender towards Pirates as he considered the next stage of his career. Both former players are understood to rate Nalumango highly and believe the club can provide the right environment for him to continue his progress.

“James and Perry have played an important role in guiding the boy. They know his qualities and they believe he has a very bright future ahead of him. They recommended him because they feel Pirates is the right place for him to develop further,” said the source.

Nalumango is already familiar with the South African football system. The tall defender previously developed at the SuperSport United academy before moving to Germany, and he has represented Zambia at youth international level.

He has since changed his international allegiance to South Africa and has been included in the preliminary South African U20 squad.

The player’s arrival reflects Pirates’ continued focus on identifying young talent and creating a pathway into the senior team. Those close to Nalumango believe he has the potential to become another product of that process, although his development at the club is only just beginning.

“They genuinely believe he is one for the future. The feeling is that if he continues working hard and develops in the right way, it might not take him too long to make the step up and challenge for opportunities at first-team level,” the source added.

Pirates’ ability to promote players from their development structures was illustrated again at the weekend when Cristian Derbyshire made his senior debut.

Derbyshire featured in the Buccaneers’ first CAF Champions League match of the campaign as Pirates were held to a goalless draw by La Cure Waves in Port Louis on Sunday afternoon.

That opportunity for Derbyshire offers an indication of the route Nalumango could seek to follow if he progresses successfully. The club’s investment in its youth structures is intended to prepare emerging players for senior football, with the eventual aim of giving them opportunities in the first team.

Mothibi and Mutapa’s backing has strengthened the belief within Nalumango’s camp that Pirates is the appropriate next destination for him. Their recommendation was based on their knowledge of his qualities and their view that he has significant potential.

For now, Nalumango will begin his development journey away from the senior side. However, his physical presence, previous experience in South Africa and youth international background have made him a player worth monitoring as Pirates continue to build for the future.