Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou may be unleashing a new left-back in the second half of the Betway Premiership season.
The 21-year-old Braithwaite’s move from Cape Town Spurs was confirmed in December 2025. The latest development sees him spotted training with the senior squad, who are camping in Rustenburg.
REECE BRAITHEWAITE TO PLAY BETWAY PREMIERSHIP FOOTBALL?
Orlando Pirates did not officially announce Braithwaite’s arrival in December. This suggested the youngster was initially signed for the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) reserve team.
However, his presence with the first team hints at one of two things. Either coach Ouaddou is planning a quick promotion, or he is being assessed closely for a role in the Betway Premiership squad.
With the senior squad training sessions under his belt, fans are wondering whether Orlando Pirates have plans to fast-track him into first-team action.
Widely regarded as a long-term successor to veteran Deon Hotto, Braithwaite adds depth and competition on the left side.
ORLANDO PIRATES LEFT BACKS
The Sea Robbers saw long-serving captain Innocent Maela retire at the age of 33 to take up an administrative role at the club last season. Paseka Mako left as a free agent before joining Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
The 24-year-old Yanga Madiba was expected to step up to the opportunity. However, he was surprisingly loaned out to Betway Premiership rookies Orbit College FC, where he has played seven games that include one assist.
Orlando Pirates signed Nkosikhona Ndaba from Richards Bay last July. The 23-year-old picked up nine appearances, which included a goal and an assist.
Another reserve team player got a look in. Tshepo Mlambi travelled to Durban with the senior team to the Carling Black Label Cup showdown against Carling All Stars last December.
While Mlambi did not make the matchday squad, the Mbalenhle-born star is a talent to watch. He was a key figure as the Orlando Pirates reserve team finished the first round of the DStv Diski Challenge in first place with 10 wins from 13 games.
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT IN THAT LEFT BACK ROLE FOR THE CLUB?
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