Orlando Pirates beats Chiefs to sign Congolese midfielder

Orlando Pirates have reached an agreement with Maritzburg United for the services of midfielder Karim Kimvuidi.

The Congolese midfielder was sensational for Maritzburg last season where he provided four assists in 29 matches for the Team of Choice. Since the club got relegated, the 21-year-old has been linked to Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates in recent weeks.

According to a report on SoccerLaduma, Kimvuidi was wanted by MLS outfit DC United, which is coached by former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney. A price tag of R15 million was reportedly put on his head by relegated Maritzburg with DC likely to pay that amount with ease.

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PIRATES SECURE THE SERVICES OF KIMVUIDI

On Wednesday, the Bucs announced Kimvuidi’s signing in a tweet meaning the Buccaneers managed to fork out R15 million.

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Karim will compete with the likes of Patrick Maswanganyi and Fortune Makaringe in midfield as the Buccaneers look to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the title.

With the new signings, AmaBhakabhaka are expected to be more competitive than last season. Jose Riveiro led the Bucs to a double but was 20 points behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the league which concerned him.

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The team went to Spain for their pre-season training where they played against La Liga side Las Palmas. So far, Pirates are unbeaten in four games in pre-season and would hope to bring their form into the DStv Premiership.

The Buccaneers kick-off their campaign on 5 August against Stellenbosch FC.