Orlando Pirates News Today: Lebitso to join ex-Chiefs coach, Shandu’s next destination & many more

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Orlando Pirates News Today: Lebitso to join ex-Chiefs coach, Shandu’s next destination & many more
Photo - AF ZA

Latest news about Orlando Pirates, in the last 24 hours, including Thabiso Lebitso’s looming exit, Bandile Shandu suitors revealed, and many more.

Lebitso to leave Pirates

SABC Sport has established that Stellenbosch FC are in discussions with Orlando Pirates over the signing of defender Thabiso Lebitso.

The national broadcaster “understands Stellenbosch are now in advanced talks with the Buccaneers over a move for the versatile defender ahead of the 2026/27 season.

“Lebitso arrives with considerable topflight experience, having made close to 100 appearances for Chippa United before joining Pirates, where he has spent the last two-and-a-half seasons. 

“While negotiations are ongoing, the public broadcaster can confirm that the player is edging closer to an exit from the Soweto giants.

Orlando Pirates defender Thabitso Lebitso in action - Image: Pirates
Orlando Pirates defender Thabitso Lebitso in action – Image: Pirates

“Pirates are also expected to make announcements regarding the futures of several players whose contracts are due to expire, with Makhehleni Makhaula and Sipho Mbule among the notable names still awaiting clarity,” SABC further stated.

Where next for Shandu?

Experienced Orlando Pirates utility player Bandile Shandu is unlikely to be short of options should his expected departure from the Soweto giants be confirmed at the end of the month.

 “Shandu is expected to attract interest from several Betway Premiership clubs should he become available as a free agent,” Soccer Laduma Laduma stated.

“Among the clubs believed to be monitoring developments closely are Durban City, the KwaZulu-Natal side formerly known as Maritzburg United, where Shandu established himself as one of the league’s most reliable performers before earning his move to Pirates in 2021.

“A return to familiar surroundings could appeal to both player and club, with Durban City looking to strengthen their squad ahead of their second season since returning to topflight football.

Bandile Shandu Orlando Pirates
Bandile Shandu, Image – Pirates

“Sekhukhune United are also understood to be keeping tabs on the experienced campaigner as they prepare for the new season. Babina Noko are expected to lose the services of Tshepo Mashiloane, who spent last season at the club on loan from Pirates,” they added.

Ouaddou not ‘chasing contracts’

Abdeslam Ouaddou enjoyed a dream debut season at the helm of Orlando Pirates, securing a historic domestic treble including the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, and the Betway Premiership title.

“You people have to understand that I am an honest man. I am an honest man. I’m not like I said, I’m not chasing contracts,” Ouaddou told the media.

“The difference between me and some other coaches, is that, thanks to God – and I don’t want to be arrogant because maybe people can think I am arrogant – I don’t need money because I played football for 17 years, and the difference is I can choose. I have the choice, you know, to continue or to stop.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Image: Orlando Pirates

“Why am I I’m saying that? I’m saying that because to manage to run and to bring happiness to millions of people to such big club, you definitely need to be fit and to have energy. If you are tired, it’s not honest to go for another season, because you are not going to be honest with such fantastic people,” Ouaddou concluded.

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Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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