Orlando Pirates have completed the signing of highly rated youngster Edmilson “Millies” Chaney from Hope FC.
The Motsepe Foundation Championship newcomers confirmed the 19-year-old’s departure on to Orlando Pirates on Monday. Chaney leaves the club after playing a key role in their historic promotion to the second tier of South African football.
“Edmilson ‘Millies’ Chaney departs Hope FC after completing a transfer to Orlando Pirates,” the club announced. The move represents another major step in the rapid rise of the talented winger and attacking midfielder.
Chaney developed his football at the Cape Town Spurs Academy before joining Hope FC. The right-footed attacker quickly emerged as one of the club’s standout performers.
His breakthrough campaign came in the 2025/26 season. Chaney played an important role as Hope FC won their regional Stream A title before going on to claim the provincial crown.
He then produced a series of impressive performances during the SAFA ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs in Mthatha. His goals and creativity helped Hope FC win the playoffs and secure promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
That rise did not go unnoticed.
Chaney was subsequently included in the preliminary South African U20 squad ahead of the COSAFA Men’s U20 Championship.
His performances also attracted interest from several clubs before Orlando Pirates secured his signature. The Buccaneers had initially planned for Chaney to spend the 2026/27 season back at Hope FC on loan to continue his development.
However, the situation has now changed. Chaney did not feature in Hope FC’s opening two league matches before the club confirmed his departure to Orlando Pirates.
Hope FC have described Chaney’s transfer as exactly the type of pathway they want to create for young South African 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.
For Chaney, the next challenge begins at Orlando Pirates.
The teenager now has an opportunity to develop alongside established stars at the reigning Betway Premiership champions while competing for a place in the Buccaneers’ first-team setup.
