Orlando Pirates have continued to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season, securing the signing of Siwelele FC left-back Aphiwe Baliti, FARPost can reveal.
The 24-year-old becomes the fourth player Pirates have signed from Siwelele during the current transfer window. He follows Rapoo, midfielder Bohlale Ngwato and attacker Gamphani Lungu in making the move to the reigning Betway Premiership champions.
Pirates have also reinforced other areas of their squad, bringing in defender Sbangani Zulu from Richards Bay FC, midfielder Mthetheleli Mthiyane from Stellenbosch FC, and highly rated Golden Arrows attacker Siyanda Ndlovu.
Interestingly, Baliti was on Kaizer Chiefs’ radar last season. Amakhosi were interested in securing his services during Nasreddine Nabi’s first campaign in charge, with the Tunisian coach understood to have preferred Baliti ahead of Paseka Mako. However, the Soweto giants settled for Mako on a free transfer.
HOW THE APHIWE BALITI LOAN WILL WORK
However, unlike fellow recruit Rapoo, who is set to remain at the club and challenge for a first-team spot, Baliti will be loaned back to Siwelele FC for the upcoming season.
The Bucs view the highly-rated 20-year-old Rapoo as a long-term solution on the left side of defence. They believe the youngster is ready to challenge for regular game time and are expected to keep him in Johannesburg for the upcoming campaign.
Baliti’s temporary return to Siwelele appears to form part of Pirates’ long-term succession planning, particularly with veteran utility player Deon Hotto entering the latter stages of his career. The loan spell will allow the defender to continue accumulating valuable game time while remaining firmly within the Buccaneers’ future plans.
Despite playing second fiddle to Rapoo for much of the recently concluded season, Baliti still managed 16 appearances across all competitions. At least 14 of those appearances came in the Betway Premiership, while he also featured in the Nedbank Cup and the Carling Knockout Cup.
Since making his senior debut in the 2023/24 season, the left-back has made 41 first-team appearances and established himself as a dependable option in defence.
His return on loan is also a major boost for Siwelele, who retain an experienced, proven performer as they prepare for the new campaign.
Meanwhile, Rapoo is expected to compete with experienced campaigner Hotto and Nkosikhona Ndaba for the left-back position at Pirates, providing head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou with additional depth.
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