Orlando Pirates have signed Diamond Thopola and Phetso Maphanga from Chippa United in a deal that will see Thabo Rakhale move to Teboho Moloi’s side.

The Mayfair-based outfit took to their official website to confirm the defenders’ arrivals, who will immediately link up with their new team.

‘Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to announce the signings of defenders Diamond Thopola and Phetso Maphanga from Chippa United,’ the club’s website revealed.

‘Both players join the club with immediate effect and will be introduced to the coaching staff when training resumes on December 27.

‘Maphanga is a defender who is in the mould of team captain Thabo Matlaba while Thopola, who was captain of the Chilli Boys, is known for his no nonsense style of play.

‘The club can also confirm that winger Thabo Rakhale moves across to the Chilli Boys as part of the deal.

‘The club would like to thank Rakhale for his contribution at the club and wish him all of the best in his future endeavours,’ the statement read.

The fullbacks are expected to compete with the likes of captain Thabo Matlaba, Marc Van Heerden, Innocent Maela, and Abbubaker Mobara for a position in Milutin Sredojevic’s squad.

Winger Rakhale, who hasn’t been in the best of forms of late, will join a Chippa side filled with skillful players and will have to compete with players such as Maselaelo Seanego and Vusumuzi Mncube.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/Backpagepix