Ex-Pirates defender finds new home
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Ex-Pirates defender finds new home
Aug 17, 2026 – 05:59 pm
By Sipho Mlotha
Former Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows defender Ntsikelelo Nyauza has found a new home in Mpumalanga.
The Matatiele-born defender is known for his eight and a half year spell at Orlando Pirates, playing from 2014 to 2022.
During his stay at Orlando Pirates, Nyauza won the 2020 MTN8 Cup and finished as runners-up in the 2021/2022 CAF Confederations Cup.
After leaving Orlando Pirates, he joined the likes of Richards Bay FC and Moroka Swallows before he was signed by then Motsepe Foundation Championship club JDR Stars.
The 36-year-old Nyauza, who has now joined Middelburg United in the Mpumalanga province’s ABC Motsepe League, has represented South African men’s football national team Bafana Bafana
Mamelodi Sundowns player Lucas “Makhokhoba” Sebona, who is a manager at his hometown club Middelburg United, confirmed the news to KickOff.
“We are putting together our team so nicely; we have signed Ntsikelelo Nyauza,” Sebona tells KickOff.
“We have also appointed Johnny Ferreira as our head coach. He understands the kasi philosophy. We are looking at playing in the playoffs this season.”
Middelburg United is the same club where Betway Premiership club Chippa United’s newly signed striker Ntuthuko Mlotshwa sharpened his scoring touch before he moved to Motsepe Foundation Championship club Lerumo Lions last season, where he finished as the league’s joint top goalscorer.