Scouting talent for Orlando Pirates – Right backs to sign part 2

Orlando Pirates have suddenly been left with just one recognised right-back. Deano Van Rooyen’s departure was unexpected, while Thabiso Lebitso and Siyabonga Ndlozi have also moved on.

That leaves Sebelebele as the only recognised senior option, making a Betway Premiership-proven player an obvious priority for Pirates.

This is the second and final player we are profiling. Read part 1 here on Nkosikhona Radebe.

SERGIO KAMMIES FOR ORLANDO PIRATES

Sergio Kammies could be an interesting option for Orlando Pirates.

Born on 7 February 1998 in Elsie’s River, Cape Town, the 28-year-old began his development at the highly regarded Ajax Cape Town academy.

His performances earned him international recognition. Kammies selected for the South Africa U-20 squad at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He made his senior top-flight debut for Ajax Cape Town in December 2017.

Kammies then continued his development in the second tier with Cape Umoya United and Cape Town All Stars. His performances eventually earned him a move to Chippa United in July 2022 as part of a major squad overhaul.

He was also named in the Bafana Bafana squad for the COSAFA Cup. This further highlighted his status as a player who has attracted attention beyond club level.

Originally known as an attacking right-back, Kammies has developed into a far more versatile player. Chippa United coach Thabo September has deployed him as a central midfielder. He dul influenced games from a central position.

That positional flexibility could be particularly useful for Orlanodo Pirates. They need depth at right-back but could also benefit from a player capable of covering other positions.

KAMMIES HAS THE NUMBERS TO BACK IT UP

Kammies’ underlying numbers provide a better picture of what he could offer. His domestic tracking data shows a 75% passing completion rate, giving Chippa United a reliable distributor when he drops deeper into midfield or helps build from the back.

His attacking instincts have not disappeared either. Kammies records an expected assists (xA) figure of 0.05 per game, reflecting his willingness to move forward and create opportunities despite increasingly operating in a deeper role.

His defensive statistics are arguably even more telling. He averages 0.92 tackles and 1.01 interceptions per 90 minutes, highlighting how actively he gets involved when trying to win possession.

Kammies also records a 50% success rate across his ground and aerial duels, while averaging around 1.85 clearances per game.

Those numbers paint the picture of a player who is not simply comfortable defending but actively looks to disrupt opposition attacks. He can step into challenges, intercept passes and help break up transitions before they reach the backline.

That combination was visible during the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign when Kammies came off the bench to score a crucial second-half equaliser against Mamelodi Sundowns in a 1-1 draw on 12 September.

He has also established himself as a regular first-team player at Chippa United. During the 2025/26 campaign, he made 24 league appearances, collecting eight yellow cards and scoring once.

The previous season was also productive, with Kammies making 20 domestic appearances and registering one assist.

In the current 2026/27 campaign, he has already featured in four matches, with his equaliser against Sundowns providing the standout moment so far.

For Pirates, the appeal is therefore more than just his experience. Kammies offers attacking instincts, defensive aggression and the ability to play in midfield, while his underlying numbers show a player who remains heavily involved in both phases.

With Ouaddou needing another reliable option at right-back, Kammies could provide the versatility and Betway Premiership experience required to handle the demands at Orlando Pirates.