The transfer window has officially closed, bringing an end to a busy period of squad reshaping at Orlando Pirates.
The Buccaneers made 13 additions and confirmed 13 departures, with the club balancing experienced PSL recruits, emerging talent and several exits as they prepare to compete across multiple competitions.
Several of the new arrivals have already made an impact, with players such as Kabelo Kgositsile, Gamphani Lungu, Thapelo Mokobodi, Mthetheleli Mthiyane and Sbangani Zulu establishing themselves in the first-team setup.
Orlando Pirates’ 13 new signings
The Buccaneers brought in the following players during the transfer window:
- Kabelo Kgositsile
- Sebastian Pedersen
- Gamphani Lungu
- Mohau Nkota
- Thapelo Mokobodi
- Mthetheleli Mthiyane
- Sbangani Zulu
- Bohlale Ngwato
- Neo Rapoo
- Matome Mmolai
- Bheki Mabuza
- Bulelani Sigomoshe
- Aphiwe Baliti
The recruitment has already produced early results, with a number of the new faces becoming regular contributors.
Kgositsile, in particular, has made an immediate impression and was on the scoresheet during Pirates’ latest league victory.
13 players leave the Buccaneers
The club also oversaw significant movement in the opposite direction, with 13 players departing:
- Thabiso Sesane
- Selaelo Rasebotja
- Siyabonga Ndlozi
- Gomolemo Khoto
- Sonwabo Khumalo
- Blessing Ngiba
- Seth Green
- Thabiso Lebitso
- Bandile Shandu
- Sipho Mbule
- Tshegofatso Mabasa
- Relebohile Mofokeng
- Karim Kimvuidi
The departures underline the extent of the squad overhaul as Pirates look to maintain depth for a demanding campaign.
Pirates close the gap on Sundowns
The transfer business comes as Pirates continue to make their presence felt on the pitch.
The Buccaneers defeated Marumo Gallants 2-0 on Sunday, with Kgositsile and Nkosinathi Sibisi finding the net.
The result left Pirates on 19 points from seven matches, just one point behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played eight games.
Crucially, Pirates still have a game in hand and remain unbeaten in their opening seven league fixtures.
Mofokeng making an impact in Belgium
One of the notable departures has been Relebohile Mofokeng, who moved to Belgian Pro League side Union Saint-Gilloise after an impressive 2025/26 campaign.
Mofokeng recorded 10 goals and eight assists in 27 league appearances for Pirates last season.
He has also made a positive start to life in Belgium. He scored the decisive penalty during Union SG’s Belgian Super Cup shootout victory over Club Brugge and later opened his Europa League account against Viktoria Plzen.
The winger has also contributed in the Belgian league, while Union SG have put together a strong run of results across competitions.
A new-look Pirates squad
With the transfer window now closed, attention turns to whether Pirates’ revamped squad can maintain its early momentum.
The Buccaneers are competing on several fronts, while their strong start in the league has placed them within one point of Sundowns.
The coming months will reveal how the new arrivals settle into the squad and whether the depth created during the transfer window can help Pirates challenge for major silverware.
