Orlando Pirates Plan Major Squad Overhaul by Selling Four Senior Players Including Captain Innocent Maela and Striker Zakhele Lepasa

Orlando Pirates are gearing up for a major squad overhaul as part of their plans for the upcoming season.

As the team looks to strengthen their roster, they’ve decided to release several senior players to fund new acquisitions.

Key Players on the Chopping Block

According to sources from Soccer Laduma, Orlando Pirates are preparing to offload four senior stars in the upcoming winter transfer window.

The players reportedly on the way out include club captain Innocent Maela, midfielders Phillip Ndlondlo and Karim Kimvuidi, and striker Zakhele Lepasa.

A source close to the team revealed, “So far, the four players—Maela, Phillip Ndlondlo, Karim Kimvuidi, and Zakhele Lepasa—are on the list and are expected to leave at the end of the season.”

Kimvuidi’s Limited Playing Time

One of the most talked-about players on the list is Karim Kimvuidi, whose potential hasn’t been fully realized at Pirates.

Despite his undeniable talent, Kimvuidi has found it difficult to secure regular game time due to fierce competition for starting positions.

The source mentioned, “Kimvuidi is one of those players who, despite his skills, is struggling to break into the team because of the fierce competition.

It’s a tough environment for him, and he might do well at another club where he can get more playing time.”

If Kimvuidi does leave, he reportedly has his sights set on moving abroad, where he hopes to get more opportunities to showcase his abilities.

Pirates Eyeing Champions League Glory

While the club is making major changes to their squad, their focus isn’t solely on the transfer market.

Orlando Pirates are looking ahead to their upcoming Champions League quarter-final clash against Algerian side MC Alger.

The first leg of the match is set to take place on April 1st, 2025, in North Africa, with Pirates confident they can secure a place in the semi-finals.

Currently, MC Alger holds a commanding seven-point lead at the top of the Algerian Ligue 1 after 20 matches, which makes this a tough challenge for Pirates.

Nonetheless, the team is quietly optimistic about their chances.

A Bold Move for the Future

With this bold squad revamp, Orlando Pirates are clearly preparing for a brighter future.

While the departure of these senior players will mark the end of an era, the club’s leadership is focused on bringing in fresh talent to help them compete at the highest level both domestically and internationally.