Sibusiso Mabiliso joins Orbit College after spell outside professional football

Former AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs defender Sibusiso Mabiliso has signed a one-season contract with Orbit College, returning to the professional ranks after a period away from the game.

The 27-year-old’s move to the North West club has been confirmed after Orbit College acted quickly to secure his services. Mabiliso confirmed the agreement, saying: “Yes, I have signed with Orbit College.”

He added: “I’ve signed for a season.”

Mabiliso most recently played professional football for Baroka, the Limpopo-based club. His time there ended around March last year, when the two parties went their separate ways.

After leaving Baroka, Mabiliso continued his career with Pearls United, a Northern Cape ABC Motsepe League side. He joined the club in February, having spent time outside the professional game following his departure from Baroka.

His performances and experience attracted interest from several clubs towards the end of the season. Orbit College were among those to approach him, and they moved swiftly to complete the signing.

The agreement gives Mabiliso an opportunity to return to the professional game with a club preparing for a significant rebuild. Orbit College are beginning a new chapter after being relegated from the top flight.

The club have recently released a number of experienced players as they reshape their squad. Those departures include Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Pogiso Mahlangu, Lesedi Kapinga and Ben Motshwari.

Mabiliso’s arrival adds a player with experience of South African professional football to an Orbit College squad facing a fresh challenge. His previous spells with AmaZulu, Kaizer Chiefs and Baroka mean he has played at a number of established clubs in the country.

Orbit College will begin their season away from home against Leicesterford on Saturday, 22 August. The fixture is scheduled to take place at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria.

The match will provide Mabiliso with the first opportunity to feature for his new club after signing the one-season deal. For Orbit College, it will be the start of life after relegation and the first step in their attempt to rebuild following the release of several senior figures.

Mabiliso’s move also marks the end of a period in which he had been competing at ABC Motsepe League level with Pearls United. Having spent the previous season outside the professional ranks, he now has the chance to re-establish himself with Orbit College.

The defender had been without a professional club since his split from Baroka around March last year, but interest from multiple teams at the end of the season ultimately led to his agreement with the North West side. His contract with Orbit College will run for one season.