Orlando Pirates miss out as Sundowns sign Wandile Dube from AmaZulu

Orlando Pirates have lost a transfer race to rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, who have signed young AmaZulu defender Wandile Dube on a three-year deal.

Orlando Pirates have missed out on signing defender Wandile Dube, with the 22-year-old finalising a move to Mamelodi Sundowns. The Buccaneers had shown firm interest and held talks with AmaZulu FC but could not reach an agreement, allowing their Soweto rivals to step in and secure the player.

Sundowns advanced their pursuit rapidly, with Dube passing a medical on Monday, 22 September and joining training the following day. The club is expected to formally announce his arrival on a three-year contract, concluding a deal ahead of the transfer deadline. This marks another defensive target who has slipped from Pirates' grasp to their closest league competitors.

Player profile and context

Wandile Dube is a left-sided centre-back or left-back regarded as one of the most exciting young talents to emerge at AmaZulu. His former coach, Arthur Zwane, had publicly praised his potential. AmaZulu had exercised an option to extend his contract until June 2027, but talks over a longer-term deal stalled, opening the door for a transfer. His arrival at Sundowns is viewed as a long-term signing for their domestic and continental campaigns. Dube's development at AmaZulu saw him become a key part of their defensive setup, and his versatility on the left side made him a sought-after asset in the market.

Broader recruitment battle

This signing continues a pattern of Sundowns beating Pirates to defensive reinforcements. Earlier in the window, Sundowns snatched former Polokwane City defender Thabang Matuludi from under Pirates' noses. Their recruitment under coach Miguel Cardoso has also included Siyanda Ndlovu from Golden Arrows and Deano van Rooyen, strengthening a squad backed by significant financial resources. The loss of Dube is a blow for Pirates, who sit second in the Premier Soccer League with 19 points from seven games and are in the midst of a three-match winning run. The club's management had identified Dube as a priority to bolster their backline for the ongoing season and their continental commitments.

With their next match a home fixture against TS Galaxy on 18 October, Orlando Pirates will now look to other targets to reinforce their defence. The senior squad, which has conceded just one goal all season, will need to maintain its form as the title race remains tight, with Sundowns just one point ahead at the summit. Technical staff are already assessing alternative options, both locally and abroad, before the window closes. Fans can track the team's progress in the standings.