Top 5 players Orlando Pirates need to release

Orlando Pirates are out to complete their transfer business before the Premier Soccer League (PSL) window closes on September 21 and as they look at who to bring in, they also need to create room.

Pirates have been the busiest among the PSL’s ‘Big Three’, which also includes Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, as while the other two have signed five a piece, the Buccaneers have already brought in nine and are still linked with more.

The Buccaneers have also released a big number with 17 players leaving, some either securing transfers abroad, while others were deemed surplus to requirements.

WHICH PLAYERS PIRATES MUST RELEASE?

Pirates still need to chop the squad further and there are a number of players who could be headed for the exit.

Kabelo Dlamini

The midfielder is one of the longest serving players at the club, having been with the Buccaneers since 2019, but has fallen down the pecking order in the last couple of seasons.

Besides injuries also hampering him, Dlamini has been used sparingly, managing just nine appearances last season, having featured 44 times in 2024-25.

He came close to leaving for Stellenbosch in January and could be offloaded this time round given Pirates are already being linked with Marumo Gallants midfielder Bheki Mabuza.

Kabelo Kgositsile

The right winger signed for Pirates from Baroka FC last year and was loaned back for the 2025-26 campaign to continue his development.

He has joined Pirates ahead of this season and already made six appearances but with the arrival of Mohau Nkota pushing the number of right wingers to six, another spell out on loan could be good for the highly talented youngster.

Masindi Nemtajela

The midfielder joined Pirates last season and played 28 games but the dynamics are changing this season with increased competition in central midfield.

With Thalente Mbatha and Makhehlene Makhaula still to return from injuries, new signings Thapelo Mokobodi, Mthetheleli Mthiyane and Matome Mmolai playing regularly, added to youngsters Cemran Dansin and Simphiwe Selepe, Nemtajela’s game time will reduce significantly and he could find himself surplus to requirements.

Sifiso Luthuli

The young striker returned to the club after his loan spell at Magesi FC last season and is yet to make an appearance this term.

It is hard to see how the striker will dislodge Yanela Mbuthuma, Evidence Makgopa, new signing Sebastian Pedersen and Boitumelo Raiopane in the Pirates attack.

Another loan deal would suit both player and club, giving him an opportunity to play more regularly.

Cebo Mchunu

The attacking midfielder joined Pirates in 2023 but has hardly played at the club. He is yet to make an appearance this season while in 2025-26, he played just one match, just his only game in a Pirates shirt.

Failed stints at Pretoria Callies and Milford FC have followed and it is not even certain if he still has a contract with the Soweto giants or if it ended.