Soweto giants Orlando Pirates have started their 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season preparations early.
The Buccaneers have a lot to work on; they are currently without a coach after the exit of Spaniard Jose Riveiro, who has been heavily linked with a move to Al Ahly. The management is working hard to find his replacement who can ensure the team continues to deliver across all competitions, locally and abroad.
Even before the confirmation of a new coach, the Sea Robbers are close to signing a new defender to strengthen the right-back department. Former Stellenbosch captain Deano van Rooyen has been doing most of the work, with Thabiso Monyane struggling to get back in the starting team.
Monyane replacement found
“Orlando Pirates have all but concluded a deal to sign [23-year-old] Baroka FC defender Tshepho Mashiloane. While Mashiloane has done well for Baroka by featuring in all games with the exception of one where he was suspended, Monyane has seen limited minutes under Jose Riveiro,” SABC Sport reported.
“Mashiloane is only two years younger with less experience, but is seen as a player that can mature over time with van Rooyen and Bandile Shandu ahead of him, should the deal go through, as expected.
“Sekhukhune United were also strongly interested in signing Mashiloane having monitored him in the lower division, but the public broadcaster understands Babina Noko have abandoned the chase,” they concluded.
Next season, the Buccaneers will be aiming to defend their MTN8 and challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the Premier Soccer League title. They will also be targeting the Nedbank Cup as well as the Caf Champions League where they reached the semi-final in the 2024/25 edition.
