Orlando Pirates are reportedly considering loaning out their 22-year-old Congolese forward, Karim Kimvuidi, in a bid to help the talented striker gain more valuable game time. Since joining the Soweto giants in 2023, Kimvuidi has shown glimpses of his potential, scoring two goals in 17 appearances for Pirates in the previous PSL season. However, despite his promising start, the young attacker has struggled to secure a regular place in the first-team squad this season, with limited minutes on the pitch.
Pirates’ management now believes that a loan move could be beneficial for Kimvuidi’s development. A spell with another club would provide him with the opportunity to play more regularly, gain confidence, and further hone his skills, something that has been difficult to come by in his current situation at Pirates. While the club is eager to see him develop and eventually make a bigger impact at the Buccaneers, giving him more playing time elsewhere could help him reach his potential in the long run.
This decision mirrors a similar move made earlier in the transfer window, when Pirates loaned out midfielder Katlego Otladisa to Sekhukhune United. Otladisa had also struggled to break into the Pirates first team, and his loan move to Sekhukhune is seen as an opportunity for him to rediscover his form. Now, the club appears to be looking at the same solution for Kimvuidi, hoping that a temporary move could lead to a more significant role for him in the future.
Kimvuidi’s lack of game time this season is a source of frustration for many Pirates fans who have seen his potential and believe that he could be an asset to the club if given more chances. The 22-year-old showed his quality last season, even if in brief moments, and has the talent to make a real impact. Yet, with the current depth in the Pirates squad, particularly in the attacking positions, securing a spot in the first team has proven difficult. The likes of Monnapule Saleng, Zakhele Lepasa, and new signings have added competition to the squad, and Kimvuidi has found it tough to consistently feature in coach José Riveiro’s plans.
This situation has divided opinions among local football fans. Some supporters have applauded the idea of a loan move, seeing it as a necessary step for Kimvuidi to regain his confidence and continue developing his game. A loan spell could allow the forward to play more regularly, possibly at a club where he can be a key figure, which might in turn accelerate his progress. Fans on social media have suggested that a move to another PSL team could provide the right environment for him to grow, while others feel that he needs to get used to more competitive leagues or even challenge himself internationally.
On the other hand, there are those who feel that Pirates should keep Kimvuidi in their squad and give him the opportunity to prove himself, especially considering his talent and the potential he showed in his first season. Some believe that letting him go on loan could be a missed opportunity for the club, as he could still provide valuable depth and quality off the bench, especially during busy fixtures. With Pirates competing in multiple competitions, they will need all their attacking options to be firing on all cylinders, and many feel that Kimvuidi could play an important role in the team’s success.
The club’s decision regarding Kimvuidi’s future will likely depend on how well they assess the current needs of the squad. If Riveiro feels that the player is unlikely to receive the required playing time at Pirates and that his development would be better served elsewhere, then a loan move would seem like the best option. However, if the technical team sees a future for him in the first team, they may decide to give him more opportunities to prove himself, even if it means waiting for the right moment to get more minutes on the field.
In any case, the next few weeks will be crucial for Kimvuidi. With the January transfer window still open, Pirates could see offers for the player, and the decision could come down to whether the club believes a loan spell is in the best interest of both the player and the team. Regardless of where he plays next, the coming period will be an important one for Kimvuidi’s career, as he looks to carve out a path that will help him reach his full potential—either at Pirates or on loan at another club.
Ultimately, what’s clear is that Kimvuidi has the talent to be a key player for Orlando Pirates in the future, but his immediate future may lie away from the club, at least temporarily, where he can build the experience and form that will see him return stronger. Whether he stays or goes on loan, the next phase of his career will be crucial to determining how soon he can become a regular fixture in Pirates’ attacking setup.
