Orlando Pirates sign South Africa Under-20 goalkeeper Kgoleng Ratisani

Orlando Pirates have strengthened their DDC squad with the signing of highly rated teenage goalkeeper Kgoleng Ratisani from Sekhukhune United ahead of the new season.

The 2006-born goalkeeper joins the Soweto club with significant international experience after featuring prominently for the South African Under-20 national team. His move to Pirates was confirmed by his representatives, Prosport International.

Ratisani began his development in the academy system at SuperSport United before moving to Sekhukhune United. He now arrives at Mayfair as one of the country’s most promising young goalkeeping prospects.

The teenager was part of the South African Under-20 side that enjoyed a highly successful period on the continental stage. The team won the COSAFA U20 Championship, claimed the U20 AFCON title and secured qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup.

His arrival adds to the growing strength of Orlando Pirates’ youth structure, which has continued to produce players capable of making an impact at senior level.

The club’s academy system has helped develop first-team players including Boitumelo Radiopane, Mbekezeli Mokazi and Mohau Nkota. That pathway was also reflected in the success of the Pirates DDC team, which won the league championship after a campaign heavily influenced by the performances of Siyabonga Dladla.

Dladla earned widespread recognition for his displays in the reserve league and has now moved into the senior setup after signing his first professional contract.

The club have also increased the number of young prospects involved in first-team training. Zoey Monyepao, the son of music producer DJ Cleo, has been included in senior sessions as part of efforts to accelerate his technical development.

Ratisani’s signing will provide another option for Abdeslam Ouaddou as he considers the long-term goalkeeping depth at Orlando Pirates. However, competition for places in the senior squad remains intense.

The first-team goalkeeping picture changed during the off-season following the departure of Melusi Buthelezi. Sipho Chaine continues to be the established first choice, while Dladla has been promoted to serve as the leading alternative in the senior squad.

Ratisani will initially be expected to continue his development within the DDC setup, where Pirates will hope his international experience can help strengthen a side that has already demonstrated its ability to challenge for major honours.