Orlando Pirates have announced a significant strengthening of their squad, confirming the signing of seven new players as they gear up for the highly anticipated 2025/26 season.
The arrival of these seven players signals a busy pre-season for the Buccaneers. They join Sipho Mbule, whose signing was announced earlier this week, as new additions to the squad.
Adding to the new faces on the pitch, Pirates have also made a significant change in the dugout. Former Marumo Gallants coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has been brought in to take over the head coach role from Jose Riveiro.
The entire squad, including all the new signings, is set to report for the first day of pre-season today, Thursday. They will undergo initial screenings as preparations for the 2025/26 season officially kick off.
SOWETO GIANTS EXPLAIN ROUTINE FOR THE FIRST DAY OF PRE-SEASON
In a statement, Pirates explained that the first day will consist of a series of medical and physical assessments to ensure that every player is equipped for the rigours of the new campaign.
“Club doctors and performance staff will meticulously guide the players through baseline tests and evaluations, which are vital not only for fitness tracking but also for tailoring individual training plans,” said the club.
WHO ARE THE SEVEN NEW ORLANDO PIRATES SIGNINGS?
Yanela Mbuthuma and Nkosikhona Ndaba join Richards Bay FC, while Masindi Nemtajela penned a deal with the Soweto giants from Marumo Gallants.
Bafana Bafana international Tshepang Moremi is also one of the new arrivals from AmaZulu FC, with Sinoxolo Kwayiba joining Bucs from Chippa United alongside Tshepo Mashiloane [Baroka FC], and Sihle Nduli [Stellenbosch FC].
Pirates also stated that the new signings will meet some of the club legends and take a visit to Soweto as part of the induction.
“The new signings will have the opportunity to interact with some of the club legends such as Edward Motale, Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, and other legends,” the club said. “This, coupled with a series of visits, which includes a trip to Soweto to visit a place that they will be calling home for the 2025/26 season – Orlando Stadium, the Mecca of South African Football.”
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