Goalkeeping Gap at SuperSport United FC

Following Melusi Buthelezi's departure from Orlando Pirates, the Buccaneers are understood to have begun assessing their goalkeeping options, with Chippa United captain Dumisani Msibi among the names believed to have been discussed internally. The Siya crew recently reported that Buthelezi is expected to complete his move to Sekhukhune United after being released by the Soweto giants, leaving Pirates with a vacancy in their goalkeeping department behind first-choice goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.

Msibi's Rising Profile

According to Siya sources, Msibi has emerged as one of the goalkeepers whose profile has been considered, although there is nothing concrete at this stage. "His name has come up in discussions as Pirates look at the goalkeeper situation after Buthelezi's departure. At the moment it's still at that stage and nothing is advanced, especially with the club currently away in Spain for pre-season. They are assessing different options before making a final decision," a source close to the developments told the Siya crew.

The timing is particularly interesting, given that Chippa has welcomed Nigerian international Stanley Nwabali back into the fold over the weekend after his absence during the latter part of the 2025/26 season. Despite Chippa's inconsistent campaign last season, Msibi established himself as one of the club's standout performers, wearing the captain's armband on numerous occasions and producing a series of assured displays between the posts. In the Betway Premiership, he recorded eight clean sheets in 18 appearances, finishing just one behind former Sekhukhune United goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner, who registered nine clean sheets in the same number of league matches before earning his high-profile move to Kaizer Chiefs.

Msibi's National Team Experience

Msibi's credentials stretch beyond club football. A former South African junior international, he was thrust into the senior Bafana Bafana setup while still a matric learner after then-national team coach Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba called him up ahead of Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan and Nigeria in 2014. At just 19, and while on the books of SuperSport United, he was selected ahead of then-club teammate Ronwen Williams, joining experienced goalkeepers Itumeleng Khune and the late Senzo Meyiwa in the national team squad before making his senior international debut against Ivory Coast.

Should Pirates decide to pursue their interest further, Msibi would bring both experience and leadership to the Buccaneers' goalkeeping department. It also presents an intriguing storyline, given that Chaine himself arrived at Pirates from the Chilli Boys before establishing himself as the club's undisputed number one and one of the top goalkeepers in Mzansi.

Pre-Season Focus

As things are, however, Pirates' focus remains on their pre-season preparations in Spain, with any movement in the goalkeeper department expected to become clearer once the club returns to South Africa. Soccer Laduma contacted Or