Orlando Pirates have significantly improved their recruitment strategy, consistently bringing in players who evolve into crucial figures for the team.
Many of these acquisitions arrive with modest reputations but quickly establish themselves as key players for the “Ezimnyama Ngenkani,” becoming household names in the black and white shirt.
Notable examples include Monnapule Saleng, Evidence Makgopa, Thalente Mbatha, and Sipho Chaine.
The club's financial standing appears to be on an upward trajectory. Last season, they secured R8 million for winning the MTN8 and R2.5 million as Nedbank Cup runners-up.
Their impressive run to the CAF Champions League semifinal further boosted their coffers with R27 million.
This substantial prize money accumulation suggests a healthier budget for the current transfer window compared to previous seasons.
Here are three options regarding Orlando Pirates' transfer activity, encompassing both rumored and confirmed deals:
PIRATES CONFIRMED TRANSFERS
After revealing the new eight additions Oswin Appollis, Lebone Seema, Abdoulaye Mariko, Sipho Mbule, Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane, Sihle Nduli, and Kabelo Kgositsile to strengthen their team ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Pirates have officially won the hotly contested race for Polokwane City FC star Oswin Appollis, marking their ninth acquisition of the current transfer window.
The Buccaneers moved decisively to secure the highly-rated Bafana Bafana winger, fending off strong competition from rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pirates announced the marquee signing of the 23-year-old on Wednesday, confirming his arrival for the upcoming Betway Premiership campaign.
Appollis, an international who has been the subject of widespread speculation and links to several top clubs both locally and abroad, is expected to bring significant pace, skill, and goal-scoring threat to the club’s attacking lineup.
Last season, Appollis featured in 28 matches across all competitions, contributing two goals and two assists. He was also a member of the Bafana Bafana squad that earned a bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
PIRATES TRANSFER RUMOURS
Jayden Rhodes (Cape Town City – Winger):
Pirates have a long-standing interest in the Cape Town City winger. While he has a lengthy contract with the Citizens, the Buccaneers are reportedly still keen to secure his services, suggesting they are prepared to negotiate a significant transfer fee. Rhodes would bring directness and flair to the wide areas.
Pirates has been joined in race of Rhodes by Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu, who are also said to have put the player on their radar following City’s relegation.
Rhodes could also depart the Western Cape side after a couple of players have left the John Comitis-owned outfit.
Kabelo Kgositsile (Baroka – Winger):
The skilful teenager has reportedly already been secured by Pirates on a five-year deal after impressing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship and Nedbank Cup last season. This signals a strategic long-term investment in a young player with high potential.
Orlando Pirates have reportedly extended an invitation for the winger to undergo an assessment, signaling their keen interest in bolstering their squad's wide areas, the race for his signature has just escalated.
According to FARPost, two additional, as yet unnamed, PSL clubs have now officially thrown their hats into the ring, intensifying the battle for the player's services.
Clifford's current spell with Bulgarian side Etar Veliko Tarnovo is drawing to a close, with his contract set to expire on June 30. This makes him a highly attractive prospect as he would be available as a free agent.
Abdoulaye Mariko
Pirates’ latest recruit, midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko, was recently seen undergoing medical assessments with the club, despite awaiting his official unveiling.
The 23-year-old talent touched down in Johannesburg on Thursday, having reportedly committed to a two-year contract with an optional extension, as first reported by iDiski Times.
Mariko brings valuable experience, including seven appearances in the CAF Champions League for his former club, Djoliba, who are celebrated as 24-time champions of the Malian Première Division.
Intriguingly, despite no formal announcement, Mariko was featured in a video on the club’s social media platforms undergoing his routine medical examination.
Mariko will be part of the Sea Robbers when they conduct their pre-season in Spain for the second year in a row, a strategic decision first implemented during the time of former Spanish coach Jose Riveiro, who has since left the club.
Enock Sakala
Pirates' pre-season preparations are well underway, and among the hopefuls looking to secure a spot is Zambian international Enock Sakala.
The 23-year-old striker, who is currently a free agent, has been actively training with the Soweto giants since the commencement of their pre-season activities.
Sakala's recent club history includes a short spell at Chippa United, where he managed one goal in six appearances after joining them in February, following an earlier stint with Modern Sport in Egypt.
His integration into the Pirates squad has been evident, with his inclusion in the recent “Inside BucsCamp” training video providing a clear indication of his efforts to catch the eye of the new technical team.
This footage offers fans a first glimpse into the dawn of the Abdeslam Ouaddou era as head coach. Although a formal contract has not yet been offered, Sakala is keenly aware that this opportunity is crucial for him to impress and get his once-promising career, which saw him rise rapidly in Zambia, back on track.
Monnapule Saleng
Saleng's situation with the Sea Robbers has been a persistent talking point throughout the past season, with the player featuring in only a minor portion of the campaign.
According to SABC Sport, Saleng is now set to join newly-promoted Betway Premiership side Orbit College, a club that played a pivotal role in launching his career before his move to Free State Stars.
OUTGOING PLAYERS
- Innocent Maela
Pirates' captain, Innocent Maela, received a beautiful farewell in the team's final 2024/25 season match against Magesi. But don't worry, he's not leaving entirely; he's set to remain at the club in a non-playing role.
- Miguel Timm
After three impactful seasons with Pirates, midfielder Miguel Timm has departed. He served the club well, winning five trophies under Jose Riveiro. He's reportedly heading to Sekhukhune United.
- Thabiso Monyane
The exit of young right-back Thabiso Monyane was quite a surprise. At just 25 years old and having recently returned from injury, he was expected to feature prominently in future seasons due to his potential. He has now completed a move to Kaizer Chiefs.
- Paseka Mako
Left-back Paseka Mako has ended his seven-year stay at Pirates. He struggled for regular game time, especially over the last two seasons. Like Monyane, he has also signed with Kaizer Chiefs ahead of next season.
INCOMING PLAYERS
- Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Attacking midfielder)
Midfielder Sinoxolo Kwayiba has reportedly signed a three-year deal with Orlando Pirates. He impressed the Buccaneers over two seasons at Chippa United and is also making strides towards becoming a regular for the Bafana Bafana national team.
- Nkosikhona Ndaba (Defender)
Orlando Pirates have secured left-back Nkosikhona Ndaba from Richards Bay. Ndaba steps in as a replacement for Innocent Maela, whose contract with the club expired at the end of the last season.
- Sihle Nduli (Midfielder)
Highly-rated midfielder Sihle Nduli has also joined Pirates, arriving after his contract with Stellenbosch FC concluded. He's been brought in to fill the void left by Miguel Timm.
• Yanela Mbuthuma (Striker)
The striker has been snapped up by the Buccaneers, beating Kaizer Chiefs in the deal. This was despite the youngster recently signed a long-term contract with Richards Bay.
