JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — Defending Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates are leaving absolutely nothing to chance ahead of the grueling 2026/27 campaign. In a swift and decisive double-barrel announcement, the Buccaneers have officially unveiled three explosive new signings while confirming a major squad clear-out involving two permanent departures and a loan exit.
This latest development comes just weeks after the Sea Robbers successfully wrapped up deals for Sbangani Zulu, Bohahle Ngwato, and Mthetheli Mthiyane, signalling Jose Riveiro’s intent to build a massive, multi-front war chest capable of conquering the CAF Champions League.
The Inbound Talent: Youth, Energy, and Tactical Flexibility
Management has focused heavily on secure, high-potential domestic talent to bolster the club’s defensive and transition structures:
- Neo Rapoo (20, Full-back): Arriving from Siwelele FC, the former SuperSport United academy graduate is a modern, highly energetic wing-back with youth international caps. He is expected to provide elite attacking output from deep positions.
- Aphiwe Baliti (Left-back): Also secured from Siwelele, Baliti offers immense athleticism and multi-sided defensive capabilities. In a strategic development move, Pirates have instantly loaned him back to Siwelele FC for a season-long stint to ensure uninterrupted first-team minutes.
- Matome Mmolai (23, Midfielder): Signed from Leicesterford City, Mmolai is a technically gifted engine-room operator who specializes in breaking lines and dominating possession in transition phases.
Orlando Pirates Transfer Tracker Summary
| Player | Position | Former Club / Destination | Transaction Type |
| Neo Rapoo | Full-back | Siwelele FC | Permanent Signing |
| Matome Mmolai | Midfielder | Leicesterford City | Permanent Signing |
| Aphiwe Baliti | Left-back | Siwelele FC | Signed & Loaned Back |
| Gomolemo Khoto | Attacker | Sekhukhune United | Permanent Exit |
| Siyabonga Ndlozi | Midfielder | Sekhukhune United | Permanent Exit |
| Tshepho Mashiloane | Right-back | Sekhukhune United | Season-long Loan |
The Outbound Clearance: Heading to Babina Noko
To balance the roster and satisfy strict registration limits, the Buccaneers have finalized a massive multi-player transaction with Sekhukhune United. Both Gomolemo Khoto and Siyabonga Ndlozi have officially terminated their stays at Mayfair to complete permanent transfers to Babina Noko.
They will be joined in Limpopo by right-back Tshepho Mashiloane, who heads to Sekhukhune on a straight, season-long loan agreement to gain valuable top-flight exposure.
