Orlando Pirates News Today: Bucs make first signing, Lebitso out, Mabasa ready for new challenge & many more

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Orlando Pirates News Today: Bucs make first signing, Lebitso out, Mabasa ready for new challenge & many more

Latest news about Orlando Pirates, in the last 24 hours, including Bucs signing PSL star, Tshegofatso Mabasa ready for new challenge and many more.

Pirates sign PSL star as lebitso leaves

SABC Sport can confirm Orlando Pirates have concluded a deal to sign Stellenbosch FC midfielder Mthetheleli Mthiyane, with defender Thabiso Lebitso moving in the opposite direction.

The move represents a significant step up for the 25-year-old midfielder, who was playing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship with Milford FC just two seasons ago before earning a move to Stellies.

While Stellenbosch have undergone a major squad overhaul in recent weeks, Mthiyane’s departure is not a result of him being surplus to requirements. 

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

Instead, the midfielder leaves after attracting strong interest from Pirates, who have secured his services for an undisclosed fee while allowing Lebitso to move in the opposite direction. 

The transfer is understood to have been a difficult one for Stellies to sanction given Mthiyane’s importance to the team, however, they do receive an experienced replacement in Lebitso, who arrives with extensive Betway Premiership knowhow.

Mabasa ready for a new challenge

Tshegofatso Mabasa looks set for a new move ahead of the 2026/27 season with his contract at Orlando Pirates coming to an end, but has several options on the cards.

Mabasa, 29, spent the second half of the season on loan at Stellenbosch – where their remains interest for a permanent arrangement under head coach Gavin Hunt.

While it’s unlikely, due the growing interest in the country, North Africa and the Gulf, it’s a sudden end to the spell of the striker, who is just eight goals shy of the Pirates all-time scorer’s record.

Tshegofatso Mabasa, Stellenbosch - Image: Stellies
Tshegofatso Mabasa, Stellenbosch – Image: Stellies

iDiski Times have been informed, as things stand, no offers were tabled to Mabasa to extend his contract, due to expire at the end of June. Sources have indicated there’s been calls from AmaZulu, Kaizer Chiefs, Mas Fes in the Botola Pro – who nearly signed the striker last season, while enquiries from the Saudi Arabia, Qatar and two clubs from Libya.

Chiefs told to sign Mbule from Pirates

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye believes Sipho Mbule remains one of the most gifted players in Mzansi and has urged Amakhosi to consider a move for the midfielder who is on his way out of Orlando Pirates

“I still believe Sipho Mbule is one of the best talents in the country and deserves another opportunity to showcase his full potential. If Kaizer Chiefs decide to sign him, I think he would fit in very well there,” Khanye told Soccer Laduma.

“He needs a coach who understands him and can get the best out of him. He also needs quality players around him. If you have a strong goalkeeper, solid centre-backs, midfielders who are comfortable on the ball and attackers who can make the right runs, then you will see the best of Sipho Mbule.

Sipho Mbule.
Sipho Mbule is set to leave Orlando Pirates. Photo: Orlando Pirates

“Those are the kinds of signings Chiefs need if they want to move forward and compete at the highest level again,” the ex-winger added.

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

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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