Orlando Pirates News Today: Mofokeng REFUSED to leave, transfer updates and more

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Orlando Pirates News Today: Mofokeng REFUSED to leave, transfer updates and more

Latest Orlando Pirates news in the last 24 hours including Relebohile Mofokeng’s initial refusal to leave the Sea Robbers, Melusi Buthelezi finding a new home and more.

Mofokeng REFUSED to leave Bucs

Former Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng has opened up about turning down an overseas move last season, and chose to remain in South Africa.

The 21-year-old recently signed for Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise following Bafana Bafana’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mofokeng revealed that he was set to move abroad before the start of last season. 

However, he told the club’s chairman that he wanted to stay and help Orlando Pirates win the league title before making the move to Europe.

“I was also supposed to leave but I told the chairman that I won’t leave before I win you the league,” Mofokeng told SNAWA on Metro FM.

Relebohile Mofokeng when he was unveiled by Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Relebohile Mofokeng when he was unveiled by Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Photo: Royale Union Saint-Gilloise

“I think I felt I wasn’t ready to leave, I wanted to fight for the badge before I leave. 

“I think when I did that the chairman was very happy, that’s why I’m very proud to be one of the players who won the league with Pirates.”

Buthelezi finds a new team

Just days after parting ways with Orlando Pirates, goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi has found a new home in the Betway Premiership ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Buthelezi recently ended his stay with the Buccaneers after joining the club from TS Galaxy in July 2023.

During his time at Pirates, the 28-year-old was part of a successful squad that won several trophies, including last season’s league title.

However, he largely served as a back-up under both former coach Jose Riveiro and current head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, with Sipho Chaine firmly established as the side’s first choice.

With his chapter at the Soweto giants now over, Buthelezi is set to be unveiled by ambitious Sekhukhune United, who will be led by former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze in the new campaign.

KickOff understands the KwaZulu-Natal-born shot-stopper has already signed a long-term contract with Babina Noko, with an official announcement expected soon.

Melusi Buthelezi at Orlando Pirates.
Melusi Buthelezi at Orlando Pirates.

“Melusi is joining Sekhukhune; it’s just a matter of time before they announce him. He signed a long-term contract, and they will announce him soon,” they reported.

“People may think Pirates just released him, but that’s not the case. He was sold; Sekhukhune bought him,” the source added.

“They did not just release him, based on what I know. Melusi had just signed a new contract with Pirates before they sold him to Sekhukhune,” they added.

Mofokeng’s value soars

After Relebohile Mofokeng was signed by Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Kickoff looked at the updated list of the top ten most valuable South African players, both locally and abroad.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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