As Orlando Pirates gear up for another competitive season, the club’s technical team is already laying down plans to tighten up weak spots in the squad.
One of the areas under the microscope? The right-back position.
It seems the current roster hasn’t quite convinced the coaching staff, prompting the club to look outside for reinforcements.
Pirates Closing in on Tshepho Mashiloane
The name on everyone’s lips at the moment is Tshepho Mashiloane.
At just 23 years old, the Baroka FC defender is reportedly on the brink of joining the Buccaneers.
According to insiders close to the matter, a deal is nearly finalized that will see him sign a three-year contract with Pirates, starting from July 2025 through to June 2028.
“All the parties involved are believed to have reached a full agreement,” a source told Soccer Laduma.
“The Pirates are serious about reinforcing the right side of their defense, and Mashiloane looks to be the man they’ve picked for the job.”
Competition Heats Up at Right-Back
Currently, Deano van Rooyen, formerly of Stellenbosch FC, is holding down the right-back role, with Bandile Shandu as backup.
However, others like Thabiso Monyane and Thabiso Lebitso haven’t seen much game time this season—hinting at the coaching staff’s lack of confidence in their ability to deliver consistently.
Mashiloane’s potential arrival will likely shake things up, offering a fresh dynamic and possibly some much-needed stability in that position heading into the 2025/2026 campaign.
More Transfer Buzz Around the Club
While the Mashiloane deal seems all but sealed, Orlando Pirates are also being linked to several other big names as transfer season heats up.
Rumors have been swirling around figures like Mbokazi and even a possible reunion with fan-favorite Benni McCarthy.
There’s also speculation around the emergence of a “new Andile Jali” type midfielder—someone who could potentially reshape the spine of the team.
Is Mashiloane the Right Fit for the Buccaneers?
As always, opinions are divided. Some fans are hopeful that Mashiloane will bring the energy and reliability needed to strengthen the squad’s defensive structure, while others are waiting to see how he’ll handle the pressure of playing for a big club like Pirates.