Stellenbosch FC have secured a massive coup ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign after wrapping up the signing of former Orlando Pirates wing-back Thabiso Lebitso on a three-year deal.
The 29-year-old’s move to the Western Cape comes as part of a highly calculated player-exchange agreement. While Lebitso heads down to the Cape, highly-rated midfielder Mthetheli Mthiyane makes a separate switch in the opposite direction to join the Buccaneers.
Treble-Winning Pedigree Heading to Stellies
Despite an injury-disrupted final season with Orlando Pirates under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou—where he made 14 appearances—Lebitso departs the Soweto giants with his head held high as a domestic treble winner.
The Sebokeng-born player originally arrived at Mayfair in January 2024 under José Riveiro and immediately became a fan favorite. His definitive, box-office moment in a Pirates jersey came in his very first Soweto Derby, where he announced himself with a breathtaking, long-range volley to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Kaizer Chiefs.
Gavin Hunt’s Rebuilding Project Gathers Pace
Lebitso brings close to 100 top-flight appearances of experience from his highly consistent five-year stint with Chippa United, alongside his initial foundations built in university football with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
Equally comfortable as an explosive, attacking right-winger or a high-work-rate wing-back, his tactical versatility will be a vital tool for master tactician Gavin Hunt. Having recently extended his stay at Stellies, Hunt is aggressively restructuring his squad to challenge the upper echelons of South African football next season, and Lebitso represents the perfect profile to inject experience, pace, and winning mentality into the Winelands outfit.
