Orlando Pirates News Today: International star on Bucs’ move, transfer updates & more

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Orlando Pirates News Today: International star on Bucs’ move, transfer updates & more

Latest Orlando Pirates news in the last 24 hours including why new signing was left at home, Bafana Bafana star on his potential move to Bucs and more.

Questions after Kgositsile was left home

One of Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates’ new arrivals has question marks hanging above his head after he did not travel with the rest of the squad to Spain.

Pirates’ intentions with Kabelo Kgositsile remain unclear following his exclusion from the 32-man squad that is currently on a pre-season camp in Spain.

“Kgositsile is here in South Africa – in Randburg, to be exact. He has not travelled with the team,” confirms a source.

“Remember, he even joined the rest of his new teammates late after his former team, Baroka FC, threw him a farewell party.

“I suppose everything will be clearer once the Pirates squad returns from Europe.”

Abdeslam Ouaddou
Abdeslam Ouaddou – Image: Orlando Pirates

The Buccaneers have left some of their players behind for the Spanish tour due to injuries, personal bereavements, and squad reduction plans.

Tapelo Xoki, Sihle Nduli, and Kabelo Dlamini are all nursing injuries, while Oswin Appollis has been granted compassionate leave to mourn the passing of his close friend Jayden Adams.

Matuludi on potential move to Pirates, Sundowns

Polokwane City FC defender and Bafana Bafana international Thabang Matuludi remains tight-lipped about his future, despite speculation linking him with moves to Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

“There is no way I can be surprised. Obviously, when you are playing week in and week out, there will always be talks [around your future],” Matuludi told FARPost.

Thabang Matuludi of Polokwane City is a target of Orlando Pirates.
Thabang Matuludi of Polokwane City.

However, the right-back refused to dwell on his preferred destination or whether he wants to remain at the Limpopo club.

“That one we will see. I can’t talk about that, I am here for now,” added Matuludi.

Lekgwathi opens up on Mofokeng’s move

Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi says he couldn’t be happier for Relebohile Mofokeng after securing a move overseas and also revealed what he told the Bafana Bafana stars’ mother.

Mofokeng signed a four-year deal with Belgian side Royale Union SG with an option to renew for a further year. The 21-year-old leaves after an impressive stint with Pirates where he’s won nine trophies with the first team, which also includes a League title achieved in the treble-winning 2025/26 campaign.

“Personally, I’m so happy especially because of his age going to play in Europe,” Lekgwathi told iDiski Times.

“It’s a well-deserved move. At the age of 21 he has achieved, he is a legend, left a legacy, left his mark at a team like Orlando Pirates.

“I think this is a great opportunity for him. I’m so happy for him. I remember talking to him one day saying that sometimes you don’t have to look at other people and the moves they are making.

“I said to him you are a special player you don’t deserve to go to so-called small countries. We want you to go to a country where we’ll still be able to watch Rele Mofokeng. People like watching him, even myself as a former player I enjoy watching Rele Mofokeng.

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’m happy he went to Belgium and it’s a stepping stone like [Mbekezeli] Mbokazi, he went to USA and people had a lot to say. I said the boy is going there and it’s just a stepping stone and he will get a bigger contract, so the same with Rele.

“I also remember talking to his mother saying to her she must always encourage him to not worry and look where other people are going and that he’s a special player and his opportunity, a special opportunity was coming and to encourage him to work hard.

“He has listened to his parents’ advises and ours as well and he is disciplined.”

<!-- 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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