Orlando Pirates Close in on 10th New Signing This Transfer Window
Orlando Pirates are making headlines again as they close in on what could be their 10th new acquisition in a busy and ambitious transfer window. With nine signings already secured, the Buccaneers are showing clear intent to rebuild and reinforce their squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The club’s latest confirmed addition is Sipho Mbule, a creative midfielder previously on the books of Mamelodi Sundowns. Mbule arrives at Pirates as a free agent from the reigning champions. His signing is a significant coup for the Soweto giants. The talented playmaker brings Premier Soccer League experience and will play a key role in the Pirates’ midfield revamp.
Full List of Confirmed Orlando Pirates Signings
Mbule joins eight other new recruits already unveiled by the club. The list includes:
- Kabelo Kgositsile
- Masindi Nemtajela (Marumo Gallants)
- Nkosikhona Ndaba (Richards Bay)
- Tshepo Mashiloane (Baroka FC)
- Sihle Nduli (Stellenbosch FC)
- Tshepang Moremi (AmaZulu FC)
- Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United)
- Yanela Mbuthuma (Richards Bay)
These new faces are expected to report for pre-season on 7 July, when the club officially begins preparations for the upcoming campaign. All the players will undergo medical and physical assessments. Then, they will transition into full team training under the watchful eye of the technical staff.
Abdoulaye Mariko to Be Number 10?
However, the transfer activity doesn’t seem to be slowing down. According to reputable African football journalist Micky Jnr, Orlando Pirates are on the verge of completing the signing of highly-rated Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko. The 20-year-old, who plays for Djoliba AC, was recently honoured as the Best Evolutionary Player at the Mali Football Awards. Moreover, he featured in seven CAF Champions League matches last season.
Micky Jnr shared an update on his social media, stating that Mariko was spotted at the airport en route to South Africa to finalise the move. If confirmed, Mariko would become the Buccaneers’ tenth signing of the window. This serves as a strong indicator of the club’s ambitions to mount a serious challenge on all fronts next season.
“ Orlando Pirates are set to sign highly rated Djoliba AC midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko (20). 🇲🇱⚫⚪ The Malian star… departs for South Africa today,” Micky Jnr reported.
Preseason Begins with a Blend of Old and New
The 2025/26 season preparations are now officially underway. Pirates kicked off Day 1 of preseason with medical screenings and performance evaluations for all players, both new and returning. These assessments are crucial for setting baseline fitness levels and designing personalised training plans.
The club’s new recruits will also undergo an induction programme designed to ease their transition into life at a top-tier club like Orlando Pirates. The induction includes interactions with club legends such as Edward Motale, Lucky Lekgwathi, and Happy Jele. In addition, there will be a symbolic visit to Orlando Stadium—the spiritual home of Pirates football.
The Ghost Awaits
As anticipation builds for the start of the new season, Orlando Pirates fans—affectionately known as “The Ghost”—are encouraged to stay tuned. The club promises to formally introduce each new signing via its website and social media platforms in the lead-up to kickoff.
With a bold recruitment drive and a structured preseason plan, Orlando Pirates are making a statement. Whether Mariko completes the move or not, the message is clear: the Buccaneers are back in the hunt. They are hungry for glory and ready to shake things up in South African football.
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