Edmilson ‘Millies’ Chaney: Orlando Pirates Sign Highly Rated South African Youngster From PSL Side

• Orlando Pirates completed the signing of teenage winger Edmilson 'Millies' Chaney from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Hope FC
• The 19-year-old played a key role in Hope FC's promotion run, including a standout display at the SAFA ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs
• Chaney had initially been set to return to Hope FC on loan before his move to the Buccaneers was confirmed ahead of the 2026/27 season

Orlando Pirates have secured the services of 19-year-old Edmilson "Millies" Chaney, completing a transfer from Hope FC on Monday.

Hope FC, who are preparing for their first season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship following promotion, announced the winger's departure. The club confirmed Chaney had joined the reigning Betway Premiership champions after a breakthrough campaign that drew widespread attention.

Chaney's rise through Hope FC

The right-footed attacker came through the Cape Town Spurs Academy before joining Hope FC, where he quickly established himself as one of the club's most influential players. During the 2025/26 season, he featured prominently as the club won their regional Stream A title and went on to claim the provincial crown.

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His most significant contributions came at the SAFA ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs in Mthatha, where his goals and creativity helped Hope FC clinch promotion to the second tier of South African football.

Those performances earned him a place in the preliminary South African U20 squad ahead of the COSAFA Men's U20 Championship, and attracted interest from multiple clubs before Orlando Pirates moved to sign him.

Loan plan reversed

Pirates had originally intended to send Chaney back to Hope FC on loan for the 2026/27 season to allow him to continue developing in a familiar environment. That plan was reversed, however, and the teenager did not feature in Hope FC's opening two league fixtures before his transfer was officially confirmed.

Hope FC acknowledged the significance of the move, framing it as a reflection of their broader ambitions for young talent. "A young man who played an important role in our promotion and whose journey represents exactly what we want Hope FC to stand for — creating opportunities and pathways for young talent to reach the highest level," the club said in a statement.

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Chaney now joins a squad competing in both domestic and continental competition, with the opportunity to train alongside established players as he seeks to break into the Buccaneers' first-team setup.

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Briefly News also reported that Nolofatso Mohono, girlfriend of Bafana Bafana star Relebohile Mofokeng, reacted publicly to the death of his teammate Jayden Adams.

Nolofatso also shared mental health quotes on her Instagram Stories after the 25-year-old midfielder is believed to have passed away weeks after representing South Africa at the FIFA World Cup.

Source: Briefly News