Orlando Pirates confirmed that Siphumelele Mbulu has been promoted to the Buccaneers first team after impressing coach Milutin Sredojevic.

The 19-year old was a regular stater for Pirates’ Multichoice Diski Challenge team as well as for their SAB team prior to joining the first team.

Sredojevic says he was impressed by the youngster and felt the young attacking midfielder was ready to be called up to the senior team.

‘Mbulu has left a really good impression,’ Sredojevic told his club’s official website.

‘I have been monitoring him over the past few months at SAB level. He has also been training with us for a couple of weeks, where has shown that he is ready to take the next step.’

Mbulu becomes the second player after Lyle Foster to gain promotion to the Buccaneers first team this season under Sredejovic and assistant coach Rhulani Mokwena.

The KZN-born midfielder will join his new teammates on Wednesday for the first time since signing his professional contract.

Photo: Orlando Pirates website