Orlando Pirates News Today: Transfer decision on young striker made, Makhaula eyes new deal & more

The latest from Orlando Pirates, including veteran midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula pushing for a contract extension, and whether young striker Sifiso Luthuli could earn a pre-season audition at Mayfair.

Makhaula pushing to extend his Orlando Pirates journey

Orlando Pirates are understood to have begun discussions over the future of experienced midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula, with indications pointing towards a possible one-year contract extension for the 36-year-old.

➡️ Pirates Stalwart To Extend Bucs Stay? 🤔

Orlando Pirates are understood to have started discussions over Makhehleni Makhaula's future, with indications pointing to a possible one-year contract extension.

MORE: https://t.co/Y5UNFumG1K pic.twitter.com/xAQ5VmfQs0

— Soccer Laduma (@Soccer_Laduma) June 22, 2026

The veteran has continued to play an influential role for the Buccaneers despite his age, remaining one of the team’s most reliable performers in the engine room throughout the recently completed campaign.

According to Soccer Laduma, Makhaula himself is eager to continue contributing to the Soweto giants’ ambitions and still feels capable of competing at the highest level.

Pirates could hand Luthuli pre-season opportunity

Orlando Pirates are considering handing striker Sifiso Luthuli an opportunity to stake his claim in the first team during pre-season, after his loan spell at Magesi FC attracted interest from several clubs.

The 25-year-old spent the second half of last season at Magesi, where he registered one goal and three assists across 11 Betway Premiership appearances, as well as contributing an assist in four promotion/relegation playoff matches.

➡️ Ouaddou 'Favourite' Could Get Fresh Pirates Opportunity

Orlando Pirates could be preparing to give striker Sifiso Luthuli an opportunity to stake his claim in the first team ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, the Siya crew has been informed.

MORE: https://t.co/MTD8cGtxfc pic.twitter.com/5UYbXF8lvq

— Soccer Laduma (@Soccer_Laduma) June 22, 2026

Despite those encouraging numbers, Magesi were ultimately relegated — meaning Luthuli returns to Pirates without a top-flight club to fall back on, and with the Buccaneers now understood to be interested in assessing him before making any long-term decision.

Whether Luthuli can take that opportunity and make himself impossible to ignore will be one of the more intriguing subplots of Pirates’ pre-season preparations.

Mofokeng’s mother sends transfer message 

Relebohile Mofokeng’s mother, Naomi, has opened up about her son’s future, revealing that the entire family is united in wanting him to secure an overseas transfer this summer.

Speaking candidly about the 21-year-old’s prospects, Naomi acknowledged that the desire for a move abroad extends well beyond just the immediate family circle, with many who follow Mofokeng’s career sharing the same hope. K

“Hopefully, not only me, even you yourself, you are hoping for him to go overseas — that’s our dream and that’s our hope and that’s what we’re praying for, because you can’t just say I want to play for Orlando Pirates,” Naomi told KickOff. “It’s not only my prayers, many people are praying that this season he must go.”