After gracing his first call up for the South African under20 team with three goals - in just two appearances - Orlando Pirates reserve player Speedy Mabaso’s impressive form this season has not gone unnoticed.

The 19-year old goal-poacher has signed a six months loan agreement with first division side United FC.

The deal which was sealed this morning at Orlando Pirates offices, also saw three other Pirates reserve players being loaned to the Kronstaad side.

Goalkeeper Fortune ‘Bruno’ Nkumane, 19, midfielders Sibusiso ‘Skara’ Mtshwene, 19, and Tshepo ‘Mtsiri’ Xaba, 18, have also committed their services to the first division outfit.

Bruno who commanded a regular place between the sticks for Pirates reserves, told Orlandopiratesfc.com that the move came at the right time.

“I am happy to be loaned out and compete at a higher level… I perfectly understand that it will be a challenge but we have been taught well here at Pirates; you must remember that to play for Pirates a person needs a lot of character and determination, and if I overcame all the challenges at Pirates, I think I can do well in the Mvela league too.

Obviously our main objective will be to help United FC gain promotion before anything else…” he said.

Bruno has been with the club development structures since he was eleven years old, while Xaba joined the team seven years ago.

Meanwhile, Mabaso who was substituted in Amajitas’ 3 – 0 victory over Botswana due to a hamstring injury, is expected to feature in today’s much anticipated final of the Cosafa Metropolitan Under20 Championships against Zambia.

The game kicks off at 16:00 at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.