Daniel Msendami has officially joined Orlando Pirates, becoming the 13th Zimbabwean footballer to wear the famous black and white of one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
The move places Msendami in exclusive company and marks another chapter in the long football link between Zimbabwe and the Soweto giants.
For the young winger, the signing represents both a personal breakthrough and a moment of pride for Zimbabwean football.
Msendami joins a familiar Zimbabwean path
Over the years, Orlando Pirates have regularly turned to Zimbabwe for talent, with several players leaving their mark at the club.
Speaking to the club’s media house, Msendami said: “Joining Orlando Pirates and knowing it is a big squad, for me is a big motivation. I want to compete and be one of the best in the team.”
Msendami now follows a path carved out by some of the country’s most recognisable football names.
The first Zimbabwean to play for Pirates was Ephraim Chahwanda, who joined the club in the mid-1990s. Since then, more than a dozen players have crossed the Limpopo to represent the Buccaneers.
Zimbabweans who have played for Orlando Pirates
As listed by Soccer24 Zimbabwe, Msendami joins the following Zimbabwean players who previously featured for the club:
- Ephraim Chahwanda (1995–1997)
- Innocent Chikoya (1999–2003)
- Edelbert Dinha (2002–2006)
- Musa Mguni (2004–2005)
- Ralph Matema (2007–2008)
- Gilbert Mushangazhike (2008–2009)
- Zvenyika Makonese (2009–2011)
- Takesure Chinyama (2012–2013)
- Tendai Ndoro (2015–2017)
- Marshall Munetsi (2016–2019)
- Kuda Mahachi (2018–2019)
- Terrence Dzvukamanja (2020–2023)
Each of these players arrived with different expectations, but all contributed to strengthening the Zimbabwe–Pirates connection.
Big expectations for Msendami
Msendami arrives at a club where pressure comes naturally.
Orlando Pirates fans demand effort, discipline and consistency, especially from attacking players.
While comparisons with past Zimbabwean stars are inevitable, the focus will be on how quickly he adapts to the pace and demands of the PSL.
For Zimbabwean supporters, his move is another sign that local talent can still earn opportunities at elite clubs in the region.