“I Leave Everything to God”: Orlando Pirates Winger on Heartbreaking Personal Loss

• A young Orlando Pirates signing is navigating a difficult personal chapter while adjusting to life at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs
• The Zimbabwean international has opened up about a deeply emotional loss that continues to affect his journey on and off the pitch
• Despite limited game time and a slow start, he remains part of national team plans and is working to regain form and stability

An Orlando Pirates star player has spoken about the heartbreaking loss he personally experienced in January 2026, when his daughter passed away.

The 25-year-old Zimbabwean international, Daniel Msendami, who joined Pirates during the January transfer window, has not hit the ground running and is yet to score a goal for his new paymasters since making the move from fellow Betway Premiership side Marumo Gallants.

The former Jwaneng Galaxy star opened up about the tragedy that befell him and how it continues to weigh heavily on him months later.

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“I have put everything in God’s hands because He is the Almighty. Losing my daughter, whom I had just welcomed, was painful, but as I said, I leave everything to God,” Msendami said recently.

Daniel Msendami opens up on personal tragedy

Speaking to FARPost, he reflected on his move to Orlando Pirates and the challenges he has faced off the pitch.

“I think it was a very good move [to Pirates], it was a big stepping stone, but I had some situations that affected me personally… like family matters. I’m trying to grow, I’m trying to settle in, and I’m sure I’ll do it. I’ll gel with the squad,” he explained.

Watch the interview below:

Fan reactions and Orlando Pirates mourning period

Football fans reacted to his interview with sympathy, expressing sorrow and offering messages of comfort to the star player.

@Tshepo_Coka:

“Condolences, King, one of your many critics. Hope you come back stronger!”

@vusi_manzini:

“One step at a time, boy, so sorry.”

@Sistren_Bee:

“Love and light 🕯️🙏🖤”

@MissyNaKing:

“Condolences 💐.”

@nasse_real:

“Eish, this is sad.”

@ObiIgwe:

“Ncese shem ❤️‍🩹.”

@Naphtallyjack:

“💔🙏🏾.”

The Buccaneers have also been grieving in recent months following the passing of former player Lucas Tlhomelang, a former Orlando Pirates and Mpumalanga Black Aces defender, who died on Sunday, 4 January 2025, at the age of 49. Known affectionately as “Lookaround,” Tlhomelang was regarded as a dependable presence on the pitch and a respected figure off it.

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In August 2025, former Zimbabwean international Tendai Ndoro was also found dead at his residence in Sandton. More recently, in March 2026, Orlando Pirates mourned the death of one of their loyal supporters, Charles Fantisi, popularly known as “Makhala Njalo,” who passed away on Friday, 6 March 2026. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.

Kaizer Chiefs' season is over

Briefly News earlier reported that a football expert explained why Kaizer Chiefs' season is over after losing to Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership.

The Glamour Boys lost the season's first Soweto Derby, which makes it difficult for them to close the point gap between them and the Bucs in the league.

Source: Briefly News