Orlando Pirates have completed the signing of highly-rated left-back Neo Rapoo from Siwelele FC after reaching an agreement on a transfer fee and personal terms for the 20-year-old defender, FARPost can reveal.
The talented full-back still had a year remaining on his contract with an option in favour of Siwelele. However, all parties have now agreed to the move, with Pirates securing one of the country’s promising young defenders.
Rapoo becomes the third player the recently-crowned Betway Premiership champions have signed from Siwelele this transfer window, following the acquisition of Bohlale Ngwato and Gamphani Lungu. The Buccaneers have also strengthened elsewhere, bringing in Sbangani Zulu from Richards Bay FC and Stellenbosch FC midfielder Mthetheleli Mthiyane.
Pirates had initially enquired about fellow Siwelele left-back Aphiwe Baliti. However, club decision-makers ultimately opted for Rapoo, who is younger and is viewed as a player with greater long-term development and resale potential.
The Buccaneers believe the former SuperSport United academy product has the attributes to become a key player for the club while also attracting future interest from overseas markets.
Rapoo is expected to compete with experienced campaigner Deon Hotto and Nkosikhona Ndaba for a place on the left side of defence, adding depth and youthful energy to the position. His performances for Siwelele last season underlined why Pirates were prepared to move decisively for his signature.
WHY PIRATES SEE NEO RAPOO AS A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT
According to Transfermarkt, Rapoo made 27 appearances across all competitions during the 2025/26 season, providing three assists. He accumulated more than 2,200 minutes of action and established himself as one of Siwelele’s most consistent performers despite being only 20 years old.
The defender, who has almost 50 senior team appearances, has also impressed at the international level. Rapoo was part of the South Africa Under 20 side that lifted the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] title and is regarded as one of the brightest young prospects to emerge from the national youth structures in recent years. He also featured in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
His arrival is in line with Pirates’ recruitment strategy of targeting young players with high ceilings and strong resale value. Ngwato’s signing also aligns with that approach. The club is seemingly focused on acquiring and promoting emerging talent capable of making an immediate impact while also becoming valuable assets in the future.
In the last 12 months, they have sold Mbekezeli Mbokazi to MLS side Chicago Fire and Mohau Nkota to Al Ettiffaq of Saudi Arabia. Relebohile Mofokeng is also on the radar of several overseas clubs.
RELATED STORY: What Andre Arendse makes of Neo Rapoo’s Amajita AFCON success