Chippa Sign Pirates’ Mariko On Loan
Chippa United has confirmed the signing of Orlando Pirates midfielder Abdoulaye S. Mariko on a season-long loan.
He is one of two Marikos who were signed by Pirates during the off-season from Djoliba side in his homeland in Mali.
Abdoulaye D. Mariko, who is a 22-year-old, was one of five Pirates debutants in their MTN8 quarter-final win against Polokwane City.
While D. Mariko made a solid cameo appearance, Pirates believe S. Moriko is not yet ready for regular first-team action.
Chippa announced the move in a statement on Wednesday, saying, “Welcome to the Chilli Boys, Abdoulaye S. Mariko, on a season-long loan from Orlando Pirates FC. The Malian midfield engine joins the family and is ready to bring the heat to the heart of the pitch.”
Mariko is the third player Chippa has signed on loan from Pirates this season, following Goodman Mosele and Azola Tshobeni.
The Eastern Cape club, under new coach Sinethemba Badela, has also been busy in the transfer market, adding former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sammy Seabi, along with Ayanda Sithole, Thamsanqa Magwaza, Khaya Mfecane, and Thulani Mini.
The Chilli Boys will kick off their 2025/26 season by hosting defending champions Sundowns at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday (15:00).
