Orlando Pirates’ domestic campaign is drawing to a close, and for one of their returning loanees, Siphelo Baloni, the future remains uncertain. After spending the 2024/2025 season on loan at Chippa United, the midfielder is set to re-join the Buccaneers for pre-season training, but he may find himself at a crossroads with stiff competition ahead.
Baloni featured in 20 matches across all competitions for Chippa, eclipsing his previous season’s tally with Pirates. His time with the Chilli Boys allowed him to showcase his talent, particularly during the first half of the campaign, when he contributed goals, assists, and consistent 90-minute performances. However, an untimely injury in March cut his momentum short.
“Let’s not run away from the fact that Siphelo didn’t play towards the end of the season (at Chippa) because he picked up an injury, but that’s okay. That’s football, unfortunately,” said Basia Michaels, managing director of QT Sports and Baloni’s agent, as quoted by Soccer Laduma.
“In the beginning, Siphelo assisted a few goals, scored a few goals and found himself in the middle of that team, playing for 90 minutes. And that’s the growth you need out of him because it creates hype and interest from other teams.”
Crowded midfield and new era at Pirates
Baloni’s return to Orlando Pirates coincides with a period of transition for the club. Following the departure of head coach Jose Riveiro, a new tactician is set to take the reins. However, midfield competition remains fierce.
The Bucs have already extended Makhehleni Makhaula’s contract by another year. Furthermore, they are reportedly bolstering the midfield with several fresh faces. Masindi Nemtajela (Marumo Gallants), Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United), and Sihle Nduli (Stellenbosch FC) are all expected to arrive ahead of the 2025/2026 season.
For Baloni, this influx of talent raises a serious dilemma. Stay and fight for a spot, or move on in search of consistent game time?
“Loans are always great in that they give opportunity. You look at that midfield (at Pirates) and the congestion and you say ‘you need game time and you are not going to play’ and that’s the reality, Michaels said.
What’s next for Baloni?
Baloni’s future at Pirates remains uncertain, even though he is still under contract. His agent emphasised that the loan to Chippa wasn’t about lack of quality but rather about giving the midfielder a platform to grow and prove himself.
“With Siphelo, it wasn’t that we went out searching for a loan. The loan opportunity came to us. He played a friendly match against Chippa and coach (Kwanele) Kopo said ‘Basia can you not give me Siphelo’. And then it becomes a situation where I knock on the (Pirates) chairman’s door and I say ‘chairman this is an opportunity that’s come. How would you feel about it?’ The chairman always has this where he says you should justify it,” Michaels explained.
Returning to Pirates, Baloni will join pre-season preparations, but his long-term role is far from assured.
“I am not saying he’s not going to stay at Pirates because he still has a contract at Pirates. But it puts him on a platform that if it doesn’t work out at Pirates. There are the other opportunities,” Michaels added.
Will Baloni play at Orlando Pirates or move to another PSL club?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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