Reigning Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates are ushering in a bold new era ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Following a massive squad overhaul and the high-profile exit of star man Relebohile Mofokeng, the Sea Robbers are actively reshaping their engine room with elite youth talent—both from within their academy ranks and across the domestic market.
Spanish Tour Unearths Pirates’ Next Midfield Stars
During their high-intensity pre-season tour in Spain, Pirates technical team handed major opportunities to a trio of bright young prospects:
- Simphiwe Masilela (22): The technically gifted central midfielder—spotted wearing the number 38 jersey—impressed with his positional flexibility and tactical composure in Marbella.
- Cristian Derbyshire (20): The promising central defender gained invaluable European exposure against top-tier opposition.
- Mpho Padime (18): The teenage midfield maestro demonstrated why he is considered one of the academy’s most exciting creative outlets.
The Pursuit of Emile Witbooi: R20 Million Move in the Pipeline?
With Mofokeng departing, the search for a new creative spark has led Orlando Pirates directly to Cape Town City’s 17-year-old sensation, Emile Witbooi.
The diminutive attacking midfielder—born in 2008—is rated as one of South Africa’s finest young talents. However, securing his signature won’t come cheap: the Citizens have attached a heavy price tag in the region of R18.7 million to R20 million (€1 million). Pirates management must now evaluate whether to sanction a marquee bid or structure a performance-weighted package to bring the wonderkid to Soweto.
Massive Squad Exodus: A New-Look Buccaneers Setup
The Buccaneers are clearing substantial wage space to facilitate their squad rebuild. A comprehensive list of confirmed departures includes:
| Outfield Departures | Further Exits |
| • Relebohile Mofokeng | • Gomolemo Khoto |
| • Tshegofatso Mabasa | • Sonwabo Khumalo |
| • Sipho Mbule | • Blessing Ngiba |
| • Thabiso Sesane | • Seth Green |
| • Selaelo Rasebotja | • Thabiso Lebitso |
| • Siyabonga Ndlozi | • Bandile Shandu |
Pre-Season Schedule & Opening Day Kickoff
After falling to a narrow 3-2 defeat against Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad in Marbella, the Sea Robbers conclude their Spanish friendly itinerary against La Liga side Las Palmas.
Pirates will officially begin their Betway Premiership title defense against Milford FC on Saturday, 1 August 2026.
