Following their disappointment in not securing Thabang Matuludi, Orlando Pirates have resumed their pursuit of a right back through the transfer market. Sergio Kammies, a defender for Chippa United, has recently surfaced as a potential January transfer target.

One of the most talked-about aspects of the 2026–27 season for the Pirates is the right-back position. With the departures of Thabiso Lebitso, Siyabonga Ndlozi, and Deano Van Rooyen all happening in the same transfer window, the club got off to a slow start in that department this season.

A worsening of the situation occurred when head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was left without a recognized right-back due to an injury suffered by Kamogelo Sebelebele following the MTN8 Final, causing him to miss the Soweto Derby.

The pirates had to get creative. In the past few weeks, Bulelani Sigomoshe and even Deon Hotto, a left-footed winger, have been used as right backs. Despite the high praise for Sigomoshe's performance against Kaizer Chiefs, the team's current strategy is not sustainable given their participation in multiple competitions, such as the Carling Knockout and the Betway Premiership.

Matuludi of Polokwane City was supposed to be signed at first. Although many clubs were interested in signing the 26-year-old Bafana Bafana international, Mamelodi Sundowns ultimately prevailed and secured his services on a three-year contract that will last until June 2029. The club has opted for a less expensive player with league experience because he has already competed against Pirates in the MTN8 final.

You have Kammies as an option. The 28-year-old is a product of the Ajax Cape Town academy; he represented South Africa at the 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup and participated in the COSAFA Cup with Bafana. Chippa coach Thabo September has been utilizing him as a central midfielder this season, despite his natural position as a right-back. This demonstrates his comfort with the ball and his excellent game reading abilities.

According to his statistics, he is consistent. His stats for 2025–26 were as follows: 24 games played, 1 goal scored, 75% passing accuracy, 0.92 tackles per game, and 1.01 interceptions per game. In Chippa's 1-1 draw with Sundowns on September 12th, he scored an important equalizer after coming off the bench this season.

Although he is rumored to be available in January for a fair fee, Kammies has signed a new two-year deal with Chippa that extends until 2027. The tulip cost more than that. Kammies can play in two positions and has already shown his mettle in the PSL, so he shouldn't take long to get comfortable.

When questioned about the issue, Ouaddou has maintained a diplomatic stance. "Our team is reliable. The Chiefs were no match for Bulelani. In January, we will find out. Sekhukhune in Carling Knockout is our current priority, he stated.

However, the strategy seems to be crystal clear behind the scenes. The Pirates are targeting two right backs to add to their roster in January. Kammies is being considered as both a top-level target and a versatile short-term cover. If the club is serious about winning the championship, they need to get this position right.

Source; https://www.facebook.com/share/1CbRTALnae/