Orlando Pirates sign Hope FC promotion star Edmilson Chaney

Hope FC have confirmed that Edmilson Chaney has completed a move to Orlando Pirates after helping the club secure promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Chaney was part of the Hope FC side that rose from the ABC Motsepe League to South Africa’s second tier, and the club described him as one of the players who made an important contribution to that achievement.

The Motsepe Foundation Championship newcomers have been active in the transfer market as they prepare for life at a higher level, bringing in new players while also seeing one of their promising young talents depart.

Hope FC announced Chaney’s transfer in a statement published on their Facebook page. The player will now continue his development with Soweto club Orlando Pirates, who are also known as the Buccaneers.

“Edmilson “Millies” Chaney departs Hope FC after completing a transfer to Orlando Pirates. A young man who played an important role in our promotion and whose journey represents exactly what we want Hope FC to stand for creating opportunities and pathways for young talent to reach the highest level,” the statement said.

“To Millies and his family, we wish you nothing but success on this next chapter.”

The move brings an end to Chaney’s time with Hope FC following the club’s successful campaign in the ABC Motsepe League. His involvement in that promotion has been highlighted by his former club as an example of the pathway it wants to create for emerging players.

For Hope FC, the transfer represents both a significant loss and a visible demonstration of the club’s stated purpose. While Chaney is no longer part of their squad, his move to Orlando Pirates gives further weight to the club’s ambition to provide opportunities for young footballers to progress to the highest level.

Hope FC’s promotion means they will compete in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, having arrived in the division after their rise from the ABC Motsepe League. Their recruitment activity has continued as they build a squad for the new challenge, but the departure of Chaney means they must now prepare without a player who featured prominently in their promotion journey.

The club did not provide further details about the transfer, including the length of Chaney’s contract or whether he will immediately join Orlando Pirates’ first-team set-up.

Instead, Hope FC used its announcement to recognise the player’s contribution and wish him and his family well. Chaney’s next chapter will now take place at Orlando Pirates, while Hope FC begin their campaign in the second tier with the player’s role in their rise firmly acknowledged by the club.