Orlando Pirates have confirmed the permanent signing of 23 year old winger Bheki Mabuza from Marumo Gallants, bringing the former Buccaneers academy player back to the Soweto club. Pirates announced the transfer on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, after reaching an agreement with Gallants.
The move gives Mabuza another opportunity at a club he previously represented during his development years. Pirates said his performances since leaving the club convinced them that he was ready to return and continue his career with the senior side.
The deal also involves movement in the opposite direction, with Pirates confirming that Daniel Msendami and Abdoulaye Mariko have joined Marumo Gallants on season long loan agreements.
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Mabuza returns to Orlando Pirates
Mabuza is no stranger to Pirates after previously spending time within the club’s structures.
He later continued his career elsewhere and joined Marumo Gallants from Leruma United at the beginning of the 2025/26 season.
The winger went on to make 32 appearances across all competitions for Gallants during that campaign. He scored three goals and registered one assist.
Mabuza has also featured three times for Gallants during the current season. His most recent appearance came in their 2 to 0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on 19 August.
Pirates said an agreement had been reached with Gallants for Mabuza’s permanent transfer.
The club described the deal as a return to familiar surroundings for the winger.
Pirates explain decision to bring Mabuza back
According to Pirates, Mabuza’s development during his time away played a role in the decision to bring him back.
The club said the winger had made progress and impressed with his performances at Gallants.
Pirates added that those displays convinced the club that Mabuza was ready to return and take the next step in his career.
His arrival gives Pirates another option on the right wing as the club continues its 2026/27 domestic campaign.
The move also represents a different stage in Mabuza’s relationship with Pirates. He returns with senior football experience after establishing himself at Gallants rather than coming through only as an academy player.
Mabuza’s numbers at Marumo Gallants
Mabuza played regularly during his first season with Gallants.
His record during the 2025/26 campaign included:
- 32 appearances across all competitions
- Three goals
- One assist
He added another three appearances for Gallants at the beginning of the current campaign before completing his transfer to Pirates.
The 23 year old now returns to Johannesburg as part of the Pirates senior squad.
His signing comes after Pirates had an opportunity to assess his progress through competitive senior football away from the club.
Msendami and Mariko join Gallants on loan
The transfer announcement was accompanied by confirmation that two Pirates players will spend the season at Marumo Gallants.
Zimbabwean winger Daniel Msendami and central midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko have both moved to Gallants on season long loan deals.
Msendami had already featured for Pirates this season and scored in the club’s 3 to 0 victory against Chippa United on 16 August.
He will now continue the campaign with Gallants.
Mariko joined Pirates from Malian club Djoliba before the start of the 2025/26 season but did not make an appearance for the Buccaneers.
The 24 year old instead spent periods on loan with Chippa United and Orbit College.
His latest loan move gives him another opportunity for competitive playing time in South African football.
Pirates and Gallants complete three player movement
The agreements mean three players have moved between Pirates and Gallants as part of the latest transfer activity.
Mabuza has joined Pirates permanently, while Msendami and Mariko have moved to Gallants temporarily.
For Mabuza, the transfer brings him back to a club where he already has a history.
For the two players moving in the opposite direction, the agreements are loans rather than permanent transfers.
The deals therefore have different implications for the three players. Mabuza becomes a permanent member of the Pirates squad, while Msendami and Mariko remain Pirates players during their time with Gallants.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The signing will be of particular interest to Orlando Pirates supporters in Gauteng, where the Soweto club is based and plays its home fixtures.
Mabuza’s return adds another attacking option to the Pirates squad as the club competes during the 2026/27 season.
Gauteng football followers will also be able to watch how the 23 year old adapts after returning to the club with more senior experience than when he was previously part of the Pirates setup.
The transfer is also significant for supporters following player movement between Betway Premiership clubs. While Mabuza has moved permanently to Pirates, Msendami and Mariko will continue their seasons at Gallants on loan.
Attention will now turn to when Mabuza could make his first appearance following his return to the Buccaneers.
Mabuza begins next chapter at Pirates
Pirates have not simply recruited a player unfamiliar with their structures. Mabuza returns after developing elsewhere and establishing himself at senior level with Gallants.
His 32 appearances last season provided him with regular competitive football, while his three appearances at the beginning of this campaign kept him involved before the transfer was completed.
Pirates believe that period away has prepared him for another opportunity at the club.
The 23 year old will now look to establish himself within the Buccaneers squad as the season continues.
At the same time, Gallants have added Msendami and Mariko to their squad for the remainder of the campaign through the two loan agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bheki Mabuza?
Bheki Mabuza is a 23 year old right winger who previously formed part of the Orlando Pirates setup before continuing his senior career elsewhere. He played for Marumo Gallants before returning to Pirates.
Did Orlando Pirates sign Bheki Mabuza permanently?
Yes. Orlando Pirates confirmed that they reached an agreement with Marumo Gallants for Mabuza’s permanent transfer.
How many games did Mabuza play for Marumo Gallants?
Mabuza made 32 appearances across all competitions during the 2025/26 season. He scored three goals and recorded one assist. He also made three appearances during the current season before his transfer.
Which Pirates players have joined Marumo Gallants?
Daniel Msendami and Abdoulaye Mariko have joined Marumo Gallants on season long loan agreements.
When did Mabuza last play for Gallants?
His most recent appearance for Gallants came against Mamelodi Sundowns on 19 August 2026, when Gallants lost 2 to 0.
A familiar face returns to Soweto
Mabuza’s permanent transfer gives the winger another opportunity at Orlando Pirates after developing his game away from the club.
Pirates have pointed to his progress and performances at Gallants as the reason for bringing him back. The focus now shifts to how quickly the 23 year old can establish himself in the Buccaneers squad and when he will make his first appearance following his return.
