Orlando Pirates will look drastically different for the 2026/27 campaign. Following an action-packed transfer period in Spain and at home, the Buccaneers have completed a sweeping squad clearout—headlined by the high-profile exit of wonderkid Relebohile Mofokeng—while integrating fresh talent to defend their crown and fight for five trophies.
The Great Clearout: 12 Confirmed Player Departures
New head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and the Pirates hierarchy have trimmed the squad down significantly. Here are the 12 players who have officially departed Mayfair:
- Key Stars & Regulars: Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Sipho Mbule, Bandile Shandu, Thabiso Lebitso, Thabiso Sesane.
- Squad & Reserve Exits: Selaelo Rasebotja, Siyabonga Ndlozi, Gomolemo Khoto, Sonwabo Khumalo, Blessing Ngiba, Seth Green.
Incoming Reinforcements: 7 New Arrivals
To balance the departures, Pirates have brought in seven exciting prospects to bolster depth across all departments:
- Mthetheleli Mthiyane (Midfielder — ex-Stellenbosch FC)
- Sbangani Zulu (Central Defender — ex-Richards Bay)
- Bohlale Ngwato (Winger — ex-Siwelele FC)
- Ghampani Lungu (Striker — ex-Siwelele FC)
- Neo Rapoo (Left Wing-Back — ex-Siwelele FC)
- Matome Mmolai (Midfielder — ex-Leicesterford City)
- Aphiwe Baliti (Left Wing-Back — ex-Siwelele FC, on loan for 2026/27)
Who Fills Mofokeng’s Boots? The Dansin & Witbooi Factor
With Mofokeng gone, questions remain about who will step into the central creative void:
- Cemran Dansin: The 21-year-old midfielder has proven his raw talent with long-range screamers (including a memorable strike against Mamelodi Sundowns). While stylistically different from Mofokeng, Dansin is a fan favourite tipped to take over the vacant Number 10 playmaker role.
- Emile Witbooi: Rumours continue to swirl around Cape Town City’s 17-year-old prodigy Emile Witbooi, with reports attaching an R18 million price tag to the gifted youngster as Pirates monitor his situation.
