The new season hasn’t even kicked off yet, but Orlando Pirates are already making major moves.
With a fresh head coach at the helm and high expectations from fans, the club has wasted no time revamping the squad—bringing in a whopping nine new signings to bolster their ranks.
Among the fresh faces are Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule, and Sinoxolo Kwayiba, signaling a serious intent from the Soweto giants to shake things up before the first whistle blows.
Too Many Players? Time to Cut Down
Of course, adding that many players means there’s now an overcrowded squad.
And the Pirates aren’t wasting any time dealing with it.
The club is actively offloading players who are now considered surplus to requirements—some permanently, others just on loan.
One of the names on the way out is Goodman Mosele, who barely featured last season with just seven appearances.
Word on the street is that he’s set for another loan move to Chippa United, a club he’s already familiar with.
Azola Tshobeni also seems poised for a loan spell elsewhere after not traveling with the team for their pre-season camp in Spain—an omission that spoke volumes.
One Contract Ends, Another Chapter Begins
Meanwhile, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo has officially parted ways with the club.
His contract expired at the end of June, and while his departure might not have been unexpected, it does mark the end of a valuable era.
With 65 appearances and four trophies under his belt, Ndlondlo leaves with his head held high.
His exit also frees up room for some of the new talent to step into the spotlight and make their mark.
Striker Search Heating Up
Behind the scenes, the Pirates aren’t finished yet.
Club insiders suggest they’re still hunting for a new striker—a move that could mean even more exits are on the cards.
If someone new is coming in up front, then someone currently in the forward lineup will likely have to make way.
The club is clearly trying to get the balance right: enough reinforcements to compete, but not so many players that squad harmony suffers.
Big Moves, Big Questions
All these changes are exciting, but naturally, fans are divided.
After some successful seasons under Jose Riveiro, including trophy wins and strong showings in big matches, some supporters are wondering if this overhaul is a bit too drastic.
Still, with a new coach and fresh energy, maybe it’s the perfect time for a reboot.
The only question now is—will this new-look Pirates squad deliver?