Nahuel Melgarejo’s brief spell with Orlando Pirates has come to an end, with the 22-year-old Argentine midfielder leaving the Buccaneers’ camp after completing his assessment under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Melgarejo arrived at Pirates with an opportunity to impress the technical team and potentially earn a contract with the Soweto giants. However, after going through the assessment process, the club has decided not to proceed with a permanent agreement at this stage. No contract has been reached between the player and Orlando Pirates.
The midfielder will now return to Botswana, where he is expected to rejoin Mochudi Centre Chiefs and continue his career with the club. His return comes at an important period as preparations intensify for the 2026/27 FNB Premiership season.
For Melgarejo, the experience of training and being assessed by a club of Pirates’ stature will nevertheless provide valuable exposure. Competing within a demanding environment and working under a coach such as Ouaddou can offer important lessons for a young player looking to develop and take the next step in his career.
While the move to Orlando Pirates has not materialised, Melgarejo’s return to Mochudi Centre Chiefs gives him an opportunity to refocus on his immediate objectives. The Argentine will now be expected to concentrate on pre-season preparations, regain his rhythm and establish himself as an important player for the upcoming campaign.
Mochudi Centre Chiefs will hope that Melgarejo can return with renewed motivation and use his experience in South Africa to strengthen his performances in Botswana. For Orlando Pirates, the assessment has provided the technical team with an opportunity to evaluate another potential option before making decisions regarding the squad.
Melgarejo’s Pirates chapter may have ended without a contract, but his career remains at an important stage. At just 22, the midfielder has plenty of time to continue developing and attracting interest from clubs across the region.
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