Did Kwayiba fail at Pirates?

When Sinoxolo Kwayiba sealed his much-anticipated move from Chippa United to Orlando Pirates before the start of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, it felt like a natural progression.

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Here was a 26-year-old attacking midfielder entering his prime, fresh from a productive campaign in which he had not only been influential in general play but had also chipped in with seven league goals. At Chippa, he was more than just a squad player - he was central to how they attacked, often arriving late in the box, linking play intelligently and showing a calmness in front of goal that made him one of the most reliable midfield finishers outside the traditional title contenders. The Buccaneers, meanwhile, were strengthening with intent. Competing domestically and on the continental stage requires depth, versatility and internal competition. Kwayiba ticked the boxes: experience, work rate and goal threat from midfield. Yet, by January, the relationship had already come to an end. Pirates confirmed his permanent departure back to Chippa after just six months. Officially, it was a move designed to allow the player to search for regular minutes. Unofficially, it marked the end of a spell that never quite gathered momentum. So, what really happened? The Siya crew has been digging.