Orlando Pirates have pulled off a major coup with the signing of one of the hottest young prospects in South African football.

Attacking midfielder Andile Jali is set to be unleashed at the 2009 Vodacom Challenge after putting pen-to-paper on a five-year deal with The Buccaneers on Sunday.

He joins from the University of Pretoria, where he excelled on AmaTuks' road to the 2009 Nedbank Cup final.

The 19-year-old, who has already represented the South African Under-20 side, says it is a dream come true to play for Pirates.

“This is a dream come true. I have always had ambitions to play for a big team,” he told the club’s official website, www.orlandopiratesfc.com. “When I heard that Orlando Pirates were interested in my services, I put all my focus and energy on it … I hounded my management team about the progress as regards to signing with The Buccaneers. I’m glad they were able to heed my call.”

Jali will now get the chance to team-up with his mentor, Lebohang Mokoena.

“I am glad to team-up with my favourite player Lebohang ‘Cheese’ Mokoena. These are some of the many reasons that convinced me that I will fit in well and enjoy the environment at Pirates. In fact, I followed my heart more than anything else.”

Jali may well get his first run-out in a Pirates shirt when Bucs take on Manchester City in the opening match of the 2009 Vodacom Challenge at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on July 18.