Pirates Transfer News: World Cup-bound midfielder joins Bucs

Orlando Pirates have strengthened their midfield with the signing of a top Premier Soccer League midfielder.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has been working with the management to have quality depth to ensure his team remains on course to end the PSL title drought that has gone for more than a decade.

Prior to the beginning of the 2025/26 season, the club brought on board  Sipho Mbule (free), Yanela Mbuthuma (Richards Bay), Masindi Nemtajela (Marumo Gallants), Tshepang Moremi (AmaZulu), Nkosikhona Ndaba (Richards Bay), Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United), Tshepo Mashiloane (Baroka) and Sihle Nduli (Stellenbosch), Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City), Kamogelo Sibelebele (TS Galaxy), and Azola Tshobeni (Chippa United).

They also let go of  Innocent Maela (retired), Paseka Mako (released), Thabiso Monyane (released), Miguel Timm (released), Monnapule Saleng (Orbit College, loan), Philip Ndlondlo (released), Mohau Nkota (Ettifaq, Saudi), Thuso Moleleki, Yanga Mabele (Orbit College, both loan), Zakhele Lepasa (released), Azola Tshobeni (Chippa United), Abdoulaye Mariko (Chippa United, loan), Goodman Mosele (Chippa United, loan), Karim Kimvuidi (FC Ashod, Israel), Kabelo Kgositsile (Baroka FC on loan), Katlego Otladisa, Tshepo Mashiloane (Sekhukhune United, Loan), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA), and Katlego ‘Kuruman’ Cwinyane (released).

A new midfielder signed

The Premier Soccer League transfer window is now open with the Soweto giants having a new player on board. The MTN8 and Carling Knockout champions have landed their top target Andre De Jong from Stellenbosch

“A new Buccaneers joins the ship! Orlando Pirates is pleased to announce the signing of Andre de Jong. Welcome Andre!” they posted.

De Jong will now be hoping to get into the starting team to continue with his good Premier Soccer League form, as he works on retaining his place in the New Zealand National team ahead of the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.