BREAKING: Orlando Pirates Confirm Karim Kimvuidi Loan Move to SC Ashdod
*Johannesburg, South Africa – August 17, 2025*
Orlando Pirates have officially confirmed that midfielder Karim Kimvuidi has left the club to join Israeli Premier League outfit SC Ashdod on a season-long loan deal. The Buccaneers made the announcement via a press release earlier today, putting an end to weeks of speculation surrounding the 22-year-old’s future.
The DR Congo international, who joined the Soweto giants in July 2023 from Maritzburg United, has found first-team opportunities limited under head coach Jose Riveiro. Despite showing promise during his debut season, Kimvuidi struggled to cement a starting role in a talent-rich Pirates midfield that boasts the likes of Miguel Timm, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, and Makhehlene Makhaula.
In their official statement, Orlando Pirates wished the young midfielder well on his journey:
*“We can confirm that Karim Kimvuidi has joined Israeli Premier League side SC Ashdod on a season-long loan. We believe this move will offer him valuable game time and experience as he continues his development. We wish Karim the very best during his time in Israel and look forward to seeing his progress.”*
Sources close to the club indicate that SC Ashdod has been monitoring Kimvuidi since his standout performances for Maritzburg United during the 2022/23 campaign. The Israeli side is understood to be offering the player regular minutes in a central creative role—something he’s been craving since arriving at Mayfair.
This move is seen by many as an opportunity for the midfielder to reignite his career after a frustrating spell in the DStv Premiership. Football analyst Thabiso Mokoena weighed in on the move during a panel discussion on SuperSport’s *Monday Night Football*:
*”Kimvuidi has always been a player with flair and technical intelligence. He may not have clicked at Pirates due to tactical differences or competition, but this loan gives him the platform to express himself. If he thrives in Israel, Pirates may be forced to reconsider his value going forward.”*
The Pirates faithful have reacted with mixed emotions on social media. While some fans are disappointed to see a promising talent depart, others believe a loan spell could be the making of Kimvuidi.
SC Ashdod, who finished 8th in the Israeli top flight last season, have been actively bolstering their squad in hopes of a top-six finish and a potential run in the State Cup. The club’s technical director, Avi Ben-Haim, expressed delight at the acquisition:
*”Karim is a player we believe can bring something different to our midfield. His vision and control on the ball are exactly what we need to add more creativity in the final third. We welcome him to Ashdod and are excited to see him integrate into our system.”*
Kimvuidi is expected to travel to Israel in the coming days, where he will undergo final medical checks before joining up with his new teammates for preseason preparations. If all goes well, he could make his debut as early as the opening weekend of the Israeli Premier League on August 25th.
As the Buccaneers continue to reshape their squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, all eyes will be on how Kimvuidi performs abroad—and whether a successful stint in Israel could see him return to Orlando Stadium as a more complete player.
