Orlando Pirates are on the hunt for a new left-back, and after facing difficulties in negotiations for Stellenbosch FC’s Fawaaz Basadien, they have now shifted their focus to another promising young talent from the same club—Unathi Omega Mdaka.
Who is Unathi Omega Mdaka?
Mdaka, a 21-year-old defender, previously a prospect at Kaizer Chiefs, has been impressing at Stellenbosch FC. He has regularly featured for the team across various competitions this season, proving himself as a solid option in the left-back role, often filling in for Basadien.
His path hasn’t been without its challenges. Last year, Mdaka, along with Puso Dithejane and Donay Jansen, was suspended by Chiefs for refusing to fulfill ball boy duties. While Jansen later apologized and returned to the team, Mdaka moved to Stellenbosch, and Dithejane joined TS Galaxy. Jansen is now on loan at SuperSport United.
Pirates Eyeing Mdaka for the Future
Sources within Orlando Pirates confirm that the club is closely watching Mdaka as a potential signing. With Basadien proving difficult to secure, Pirates are exploring Mdaka as a viable option for the left-back position.
“He’s a talented young defender. Pirates are monitoring Mdaka closely. They’ve been presented with the chance to sign Basadien, but they know that deal will be challenging. So, Mdaka is a great alternative for them. He’s still young and has huge potential,” said an insider.
Strengthening the Left-Back Position
The left-back position has been identified as a priority for Pirates as they look to strengthen their defense. Currently, they have Innocent Maela, who isn’t playing much, and Paseka Mako, who has just returned from injury. As a result, Deon Hotto has often been deployed in the left-back role. The club’s scouts have identified Mdaka as a top target, and it’s clear they are keen to add depth to this position.
With the difficulties in signing Basadien, Mdaka’s emergence as an alternative makes sense. As the transfer window nears, the attention will be on whether Pirates will move forward with a formal approach for the talented 21-year-old.
