With the new Betway Premiership season fast approaching, Orlando Pirates are not slowing down in reshaping their squad.
While much of the spotlight has been on new arrivals and midfield adjustments, the club has also made some interesting moves in their defensive line—especially at right-back.
New Face Joins the Right-Back Competition
The Buccaneers have added Tshepo Mashiloane, a promising defender from Baroka FC, to their roster.
He’s now part of a fairly packed right-back department that already includes Deano Van Rooyen, Bandile Shandu, Thabiso Lebitso, and Siyabonga Ndlozi, who can also cover in central defence.
This move comes right after Thabiso Monyane’s departure to rivals Kaizer Chiefs, opening up a gap in the lineup—and the jersey.
Interestingly, Mashiloane has already been spotted during the club’s pre-season trip to Spain wearing Monyane’s old number 2 shirt, signaling that he may be the one to step into those boots.
Saleng Makes a Surprise Exit
While fans were adjusting to the new additions at the back, another headline move quietly shook the fanbase: Monnapule Saleng is gone.
After three solid years with the Pirates, the 27-year-old winger has been loaned out to his former team, Orbit College, for the entire season.
This caught many by surprise. Saleng had become a key figure in the attack, delivering an impressive 25 goals and 17 assists in just 70 appearances since joining in June 2022.
His contributions made him a fan favorite, and many expected him to continue leading the charge this season.
Why the Sudden Loan Move?
The club has kept things brief and vague, confirming only that the move is a season-long loan.
There’s been no official word on whether it’s tactical, disciplinary, or just a chance for Saleng to reset.
Either way, Pirates fans will need to get used to seeing the team line up without him—at least for now.
A Season Full of Change
Between a packed right-back roster and the surprising exit of one of their best attackers, it’s clear Orlando Pirates are heading into the new campaign with major changes in mind.
Whether it’s about building depth, preparing for future transitions, or simply trying out new strategies, the 2025/26 season is shaping up to be unpredictable.
And with more moves likely before the window closes, the big question remains: Will these changes pay off on the pitch?