Orlando Pirates signal strong intent ahead of 2025/26 season with aggressive transfer moves

Orlando Pirates will head into the 2025/26 campaign with a clear objective — to close the gap on serial champions Mamelodi Sundowns and launch a more convincing bid for domestic supremacy. 

The Buccaneers have wasted little time in laying down a marker, moving decisively in the transfer market to rectify the issues that undermined their title challenge last season. While the Soweto giants finished 13 points adrift of Sundowns, that figure alone doesn’t accurately reflect their efforts throughout the season. 

Pirates were, for long stretches, the only team capable of forcing the reigning champions out of their rhythm. Although the final table shows a significant margin, the Brazilians were made to dig deeper than usual to retain their dominance.

But pushing the champions and actually toppling them are two entirely different tasks. While an outright dethroning might still be a season or two away, Pirates are clearly equipping themselves for a more formidable pursuit. Their intentions are clear and deliberate.

The Buccaneers began their mission by bringing in Moroccan tactician Abdeslam Ouaddou, a bold appointment that set the tone for what was to follow. That was quickly followed by a headline-grabbing coup in the signing of Sipho Mbule from none other than Sundowns — a move that both raised eyebrows and symbolized a new level of ambition in the Pirates camp.

Continuing their aggressive recruitment drive, the club confirmed the acquisition of seven new players this week, further underlining their commitment to building a squad capable of going toe-to-toe with the best. 

The new arrivals are Yanela Mbuthuma and Nkosikhona Ndaba (both from Richards Bay), Masindi Nemtajela (Marumo Gallants), Tshepang Moremi (AmaZulu), Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United), Tshepo Mashiloane (Baroka FC), and Sihle Nduli (Stellenbosch FC).

While the immediate focus over the next two days will be on medicals and assessments, the technical staff, led by coach Ouaddou, will begin proper preparations next week with the start of the football side of preseason. 

According to a club statement, the players have already reported to the team’s training base in Johannesburg to begin physical and medical tests, joining their returning teammates for the opening stages of camp.

These early sessions are designed to evaluate physical readiness and ease the new signings into the squad environment as they prepare for the rigorous demands of the new season.

Among the new faces, Moremi stands out as one of the most exciting additions. The former AmaZulu midfielder enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 campaign in the Betway Premiership, which earned him a national team call-up. 

At just 24 years old, his career is clearly on the rise, and his move to Pirates offers an ideal platform to elevate his development even further.

Joining him is Kwayiba, whose arrival ends intense speculation about his future. The creative midfielder was a shining light for Chippa United last season, helping guide the team to a tough eleventh-place finish. His switch to Pirates presents a fresh opportunity to showcase his talents on a bigger stage and contribute to the club’s renewed ambitions.