Pirates Midfielder Completes Permanent Move To Chippa United
Orlando Pirates midfielder Azola Tshobeni has officially joined Chippa United on a permanent deal.
Sportswire reported on Wednesday morning that Tshobeni, along with Bandile Dlamini and Sisanda Mbhele, were expected to join the Chilli Boys. Tshobeni’s agency has since confirmed the pint-sized midfielder’s move to Chippa.
The 23-year-old was promoted to the Pirates’ senior squad by Josef Zinnbauer ahead of the 2020/21 season. However, he struggled to make an impact, featuring in just eight matches that term.
For the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, Tshobeni was loaned out to JDR Stars in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Pirates recalled him last season, but he only managed three appearances: two in the Betway Premiership and one in the CAF Champions League.
As a central midfielder who can also operate in more advanced roles, Tshobeni faced stiff competition in a well-stocked Pirates midfield.
He found himself behind players like Thalente Mbatha, Patrick Maswanganyi, Kabelo Dlamini, Makhehleni Makhaula, Karim Kimvuidi, and Goodman Mosele, who is linked with a move to Chippa on loan.
The Soweto Giants, who have finished second behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the past three seasons, have further bolstered their midfield options by adding Sihle Nduli, Sipho Mbule, and Masindi Nemtajela, which would have severely limited Tshobeni’s playing time.
Tshobeni joins a Chippa United side that has appointed Sinethemba Badela as head coach for the upcoming season, with Musa Nyatama as his assistant. The Chilli Boys are set to open their 2025/26 season by hosting defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns at Buffalo City Stadium on 9 August.
