Orlando Pirates have ended their interest in signing former Sekhukhune United goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner after tying Melusi Buthelezi down for another year, FARPost has learnt.
The Buccaneers recently exercised their option on Buthelezi’s contract, a move that effectively brought an end to the club’s pursuit of Leaner, who had been identified as a potential replacement while the former TS Galaxy goalkeeper’s future remained uncertain.
Leaner is currently a free agent after leaving Sekhukhune United, who opted not to renew his contract following a dip in form during the closing stages of the 2025/26 season. His exit comes as Babina Noko prepare for a new era under newly appointed head coach Cedric Kaze.
Pirates had shown strong interest in Leaner towards the end of last season after a string of outstanding performances that earned him a maiden call-up to the South Africa national football team.
ORLANDO PIRATES TIE DOWN MELUSI BUTHELEZI
The goalkeeper was part of Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad for the international friendlies against the Panama national football team earlier this year. Those matches formed part of South Africa’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Hugo Broos’ troops made history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time before bowing out to the Canada national soccer team in the Round of 32.
Leaner had established himself as one of the Premier Soccer League’s most reliable goalkeepers during his time at Sekhukhune, particularly under former coach Eric Tinkler.
His consistent performances and excellent shot-stopping ability made him one of the league’s standout goalkeepers over the past few seasons.
During the 2025/26 campaign, the former Ajax Cape Town academy product made 23 appearances in all competitions, conceded 21 goals and kept 10 clean sheets.
Those displays initially convinced Pirates that he could strengthen their goalkeeping department. However, with Buthelezi retained for another season, Pirates have shelved plans to bring in another senior goalkeeper, ending their interest in Leaner.
RELATED STORY: What Ronwen Williams makes of Renaldo Leaner’s qualities
