Orlando Pirates are strategically strengthening their youth ranks by
turning to a proven source of talent: Rulani Mokwena’s Black Poison academy.
In a quiet but significant move, the Buccaneers have secured three promising
players from the highly-regarded grassroots setup.
Black Poison, founded and overseen by the former Pirates coach and current
MC Algiers mentor, has built a formidable reputation in Gauteng for
developing technically skilled and tactically intelligent footballers.
Competing in the Hollywoodbets Regional Men’s League, Mokwena’s project
serves as both a community initiative and a crucial developmental pathway
for emerging talent.
According to sources, Pirates have integrated these three recruits across
different tiers of their development structure. Midfielder Samukelo Zikalala
and attacker Joy Manana, both standout performers for Black Poison, have
joined the Orlando Pirates DDC (Diski Challenge) team. There, they will be
honed within the club’s professional framework while competing in the PSL’s
reserve league.
Completing the trio, defensive midfielder Keagan Mpele has been signed for
the Orlando Pirates ABC Motsepe League side. This placement is a strategic
step by the club to acclimate promising players to a competitive senior
environment, a crucial phase in preparing them for potential first-team
football in the future.
