The Betway Premiership champions are refusing to take their foot off the gas. Fresh off securing a historic domestic treble, Orlando Pirates have reportedly added their seventh signing of a blockbuster transfer window, raiding the Motsepe Foundation Championship for highly-rated midfield maestro Matome Mmolai.
According to senior reports from FARPost, the deal is entirely finalized, with an official announcement from the Mayfair management expected imminently. Mmolai has already signed on the dotted line and will arrive at the club this week to undergo medical evaluations before linking up with Jose Riveiro’s squad for pre-season training.
From Alexandra to Mayfair: The Rise of Mmolai
Hailing from Alexandra, Johannesburg, the 23-year-old’s journey to the top flight has been a masterclass in resilience and raw talent.
- The Breakthrough: Mmolai initially turned heads with Dondol Stars in the ABC Motsepe League, earning a move to JDR Stars for the 2024/25 campaign where he scored a famous winner against the University of Pretoria.
- The Hurdles: A legal dispute following a brief stint at TS Galaxy didn’t stall his momentum; he simply continued to dominate the pitch for Leicesterford City FC (who purchased JDR Stars’ status in 2025).
- The Profile: Blessed with exceptional close control, spatial awareness, and a sharp eye for a defense-splitting pass, Mmolai dictates transitions effortlessly.
The Ultimate Insurance Policy for Relebohile Mofokeng?
What makes this transfer particularly fascinating is the tactical blueprint. Mmolai possesses an explosive dribbling style and absolute confidence in one-on-one situations that has drawn immediate, direct comparisons to Pirates’ prized asset, Relebohile Mofokeng.
With heavy European interest continuing to swirl around Mofokeng, securing Mmolai provides the Buccaneers with elite tactical coverage on the flank and a long-term creative insurance policy to maintain their attacking identity.
Tracking the Buccaneers’ Insane Transfer Window
As Orlando Pirates look to defend their Betway Premiership title and launch a serious assault on the CAF Champions League, their squad depth has received a massive overhaul.
Orlando Pirates 2026/27 Summer Signings
| Player | Position | Status | Former Club |
| Sbangani Zulu | Central Defender | Official | Confirmed |
| Mthetheleli Mthiyane | Central Midfield | Official | Confirmed |
| Bohlale Ngwato | Winger | Official | Confirmed |
| Ghampani Lungu | Striker | Official | Confirmed |
| Neo Rapoo | Left Back | Pending | Siwelele FC |
| Siyanda Ndlovu | Winger / Attacking Midfield | Pending | Golden Arrows |
| Matome Mmolai | Attacking Midfield | Pending | Leicesterford |
