Just when fans thought Orlando Pirates were done making waves in the transfer market, the Soweto giants dropped another surprise—seven new players added to the squad, all in the space of 24 hours after unveiling Sipho Mbule.

With a total of eight new signings now confirmed, the Buccaneers are clearly gearing up for a serious challenge in the upcoming 2025/26 season.

Who’s Joining the Pirates Ship?

The club officially welcomed the following players:

Yanela Mbuthuma (from Richards Bay)
Masindi Nemtajela (Marumo Gallants)
Tshepang Moremi (AmaZulu)
Nkosikhona Ndaba (Richards Bay)
Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United)
Tshepo Mashiloane (Baroka)
Sihle Nduli (Stellenbosch)

These signings come hot on the heels of Sipho Mbule, the seasoned midfielder who made the switch from Mamelodi Sundowns.

Coach Ouaddou’s Squad Begins to Take Shape

With new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou taking over, Pirates fans can expect a refresh in tactics and style.

The club appears to be reinforcing every area—except the goalkeeper and central defence.

The lineup, if we’re judging by a traditional 4-5-1 formation, looks like this:

Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine
Right back: Tshepo Mashiloane
Centre backs: Nkosinathi Sibisi and Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Left back: Nkosikhona Ndaba
Midfield trio: Sihle Nduli, Masindi Nemtajela, and Sipho Mbule
Attacking midfielders: Tshepang Moremi and Sinoxolo Kwayiba
Striker: Yanela Mbuthuma

The balance shows a push toward more depth and dynamism in midfield and attack.

First Day on the Job: Medicals and Introductions

The club released a full statement confirming that all eight new players reported for their first day of preseason training.

The day kicked off with routine medicals and physical assessments, making sure every player is in peak condition and ready for the grind ahead.

These baseline tests also help the club’s performance team tailor training plans for each individual.

Induction into the Pirates Way

Joining a club with as rich a legacy as Orlando Pirates isn’t just about the football—it’s about embracing a culture.

As part of the welcome, the newcomers were introduced to some of the club’s most iconic legends, including Edward Motale, Lucky Lekgwathi, and Happy Jele.

They also visited Orlando Stadium, their new home ground and one of South African football’s most historic venues.

The Real Work Starts Soon

While the first couple of days are all about settling in and getting assessed, the serious football action kicks off next week.

That’s when Coach Ouaddou and his technical team step in to take charge of training sessions and begin fine-tuning tactics for both the Betway Premiership and the CAF Champions League campaign.

Stay Tuned for Player Profiles and More Updates

The club has promised to introduce each new signing to the fans individually across their social media platforms.

So, if you’re part of the Buccaneers faithful, keep your eyes on Orlandopiratesfc.com and their official channels for behind-the-scenes content, training footage, and player interviews.