Orlando Pirates News Today: Appollis linked with Portuguese giants, Mbokazi transfer race heats up & more

Latest from Orlando Pirates, including a surprise European link for winger Oswin Appollis, growing transfer interest in World Cup star Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Sipho Mbule’s emotional farewell message after his trophy-filled stint at the club.

Appollis linked with surprise Primera Liga switch

Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Portuguese giants Porto, with reports suggesting the Buccaneers attacker could be available for a cut-price deal given the uncertainty around his current contract situation.

The 24-year-old, who is right-footed despite operating primarily down the left flank, has built his entire senior career in South Africa and would be heading into uncharted territory should a move to Liga Portugal materialise.

🚨💣 FC Porto avança por Oswin Appollis 🇿🇦🔵⚪

🔵 Os dragões apresentaram uma proposta de cerca de 4M€ ao Orlando Pirates.

👀 O clube sul-africano já terá aceite a oferta, segundo fontes próximas do processo.

⚡ O extremo pode rumar a Portugal já neste verão.#FCPorto pic.twitter.com/NmbE8ZZmQk

— Radar da Liga 🇵🇹 (@Fut_em_moviment) June 29, 2026

According to Africa Soccer, Appollis is attracting interest from Porto. His current deal at Pirates is listed without a stated expiry date, fuelling speculation that Porto could explore signing him for a reduced fee or even as a free agent further down the line.

Mbokazi’s World Cup heroics to spark transfer battle

Former Orlando Pirates academy graduate Mbekezeli Mbokazi continues to be the talk of South African football after a standout 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with Bafana Bafana, and reports now suggest his displays in North America could trigger a scramble for his signature.

Mercato-geruchten | #Anderlecht is een van de clubs die geïnteresseerd is in WK-revelatie Mbekezeli Mbokazi. De 20-jarige verdediger maakte indruk bij de Bafana Bafana, waar hij een onbetwiste basisspeler was. Ook op het WK heeft hij een sterke indruk nagelaten. #rsca pic.twitter.com/aObk7ApSh9

— Update (@rscaupdate) June 29, 2026

The 20-year-old, now plying his trade at MLS side Chicago Fire, was one of South Africa’s most consistent performers at the tournament, featuring in every minute of Bafana’s run before their Round of 32 elimination at the hands of co-hosts Canada. The centre-back, affectionately known as TLB, made his name at Pirates before completing a move to MLS late last year.

Mbule’s emotional farewell to Orlando Pirates

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule has shared a heartfelt goodbye to the Buccaneers faithful following the confirmation of his move to Iraqi top-flight side Zakho SC.

The Buccaneers chose not to trigger the option to extend the 28-year-old’s contract at the end of the 2025/26 season, leaving him a free agent. During his single season at the club, Mbule made 23 appearances across all competitions and helped Pirates lift four trophies, including the Betway Premiership title, the MTN8, the Carling Knockout and the Carling All Stars Cup.