Orlando Pirates have confirmed that seven players have left the club ahead of the 2026/27 Premier Soccer League season, with several joining rival top-flight teams and others moving to clubs in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
The departures include defender Thabiso Sesane and midfielder Selaelo Rasebotja, who have both joined Siwelele FC. Siyabonga Ndlozi and winger Gomolemo Khoto have moved to Sekhukhune United.
The Buccaneers announced the squad movements on Monday, 6 July, as preparations continue for the new domestic campaign.
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Seven Players Leave Orlando Pirates
Pirates confirmed the following departures:
- Thabiso Sesane - Siwelele FC
- Selaelo Rasebotja - Siwelele FC
- Siyabonga Ndlozi - Sekhukhune United
- Gomolemo Khoto - Sekhukhune United
- Sonwabo Khumalo - Midlands Wanderers
- Blessing Ngiba - Midlands Wanderers
- Seth Green - Durban City
The club said each player had made a contribution during their time at Pirates and wished them well as they continue their careers elsewhere.
“Each of these players has made a valuable contribution to the Club during their time at Orlando Pirates, both on and off the field, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed,” the club said in its transfer update.
Pirates added that it would continue to communicate squad developments as preparations for the season progress.
Sesane and Rasebotja Move to Siwelele
Sesane’s departure comes after an injury-disrupted period at Pirates.
The defender featured regularly during the 2024/25 season under former coach José Riveiro, but suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in February 2025. The injury kept him out for an extended period and limited his appearances last season.
He played only a brief spell of football during the previous campaign, coming off the bench in Pirates’ 4–1 Nedbank Cup win over TTM.
Rasebotja will join him at Siwelele as the club prepares for the new season. The moves give both players a chance to compete for more regular first-team opportunities.
Sekhukhune United Add Ndlozi and Khoto
Ndlozi and Khoto have both joined Sekhukhune United.
Ndlozi spent part of last season on loan at Magesi FC after joining the club in the January transfer window. Khoto also spent time away from Pirates, having been on loan at Orbit College for the past two seasons.
Their departures form part of a broader reshaping of the Pirates squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Sekhukhune United have become an increasingly competitive side in the domestic game, and the arrivals offer the players an opportunity to establish themselves in a new environment.
Khumalo and Ngiba Head to Midlands Wanderers
Sonwabo Khumalo and defensive midfielder Blessing Ngiba have joined Midlands Wanderers in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
The moves offer both players a new route to regular competitive football as they look to build their careers away from Orlando Pirates.
Pirates’ development structures have produced several players who have gone on to feature for clubs across the Premier Soccer League and National First Division, often after loan spells or permanent transfers.
Seth Green Joins Durban City
Winger Seth Green has joined Durban City.
Green was part of Pirates’ DStv Diski Challenge title-winning squad last season and now moves on as he seeks to establish himself at senior level.
The transfer reflects a common route for young players leaving major clubs, where competition for senior places can be intense. A move to another top-flight side can provide a clearer pathway to match minutes and first-team development.
What This Means for Gauteng Football Fans
Orlando Pirates remain one of Gauteng’s biggest football institutions, and squad changes are closely watched by supporters as the club prepares for a new season.
The seven departures will affect the depth of the Pirates squad, particularly in defence and midfield. They also create opportunities for other players in the club’s senior and development structures to compete for places.
For fans, the next focus will be on whether Pirates make further signings, promote academy players or announce additional loan arrangements before the season begins.
The departures also underline the movement of players between Gauteng clubs and teams across the country, with Siwelele, Sekhukhune United, Midlands Wanderers and Durban City all adding players from the Buccaneers’ system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players have left Orlando Pirates?
Orlando Pirates confirmed that seven players have left ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Which players joined Siwelele FC?
Thabiso Sesane and Selaelo Rasebotja have joined Siwelele FC.
Which players joined Sekhukhune United?
Siyabonga Ndlozi and Gomolemo Khoto have joined Sekhukhune United.
Where has Seth Green moved?
Seth Green has joined Durban City.
Will Orlando Pirates announce more transfers?
The club said it will provide further updates on squad movements as preparations for the new season continue.
What Happens Next
Orlando Pirates are expected to continue finalising their squad ahead of the 2026/27 Premier Soccer League season. The club has indicated that more updates will follow as it completes preparations for the campaign.
