Orlando Pirates confirm seven departures, including top-rated defender

Orlando Pirates have confirmed the exit of seven players who have joined PSL rivals ahead of the new season.

The Buccaneers, who have been the busiest team in the transfer market so far, have announced that   defenders Thabiso Sesane and Siyabonga Ndlozi, midfielders Selaelo Rasebotj and Sonwabo Khumalo, winger Gomolemo Khoto as well as academy products Blessing Ngiba and Seth Green have left the club and joined new teams.

Sesane and Rasebotja have joined Siwelele FC while Ndlozi and Khoto will have signed for Sekhukhune United to work under former Kaizer Chiefs coach Cedric Kaze.

Pirates laud departing players

Meanwhile, Green will also play under another ex-Chiefs tactician in Khalil Ben Youssef at Durban City, while Khumalo and Ngiba have both joined Midlands FC.

“Each of these players has made a valuable contribution to the club during their time at Orlando Pirates, both on and off the field, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed,” Pirates stated.

“The club extends its sincere gratitude to each player for their dedication and professionalism throughout their tenure with us. On behalf of the entire Orlando Pirates family, the Club wishes these players continued success and fulfilment as they embark on the next chapters of their respective careers.”

Sesane makes surprise decision

The exit of Sesane is perhaps the most surprising given he has been one of the highly-rated players at Pirates. Sesane had been a key player for Pirates before a long-term injury ruled him out for nearly the whole of last season, returning at the back end of the campaign to feature in just one match.

It is believed the defender was keen on regular football which he was not guaranteed at Pirates, who already have Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Mpho Chabatsane and Thapelo Xoki as their centre-back options.

It is the same case for the other six players with Rasebotja particularly struggling for game time last season while the youngsters were looking for first team football which was not assured by the Soweto giants.