Talented defender Thabiso Sesane has bid an emotional farewell to Orlando Pirates, bringing the curtain down on a memorable nine-year marriage with the Soweto giants.
Sesane, who has completed a permanent move to Siwelele FC alongside his teammate Selaelo Rasebotja, took to his official Instagram account on Wednesday to reflect on his journey and express his deep gratitude to Pirates.
The 26-year-old first joined the Buccaneers’ youth structures before gaining promotion to the senior team in December 2020. During his tenure with the Sea Robbers, Sesane also spent time on loan to gain valuable game time, with stints at Jomo Cosmos during the 2021/22 season and at Cape Town All Stars in the 2022/23 campaign.
The defender leaves Pirates having won four major domestic trophies with the club. He has lifted one Betway Premiership title, two MTN8 cups, one Nedbank title, and one Carling Knockout Cup trophy.
Overall, Sesane featured in 48 games across all competitions for the Buccaneers, weighing in with two assists. However, his final season with the club was severely disrupted by misfortune. He made just a single appearance after spending most of the campaign on the sidelines with a long-term injury.
THABISO SESANE’S FAREWELL MESSAGE TO ORLANDO PIRATES
“After nine years with the team, it’s now time to close this chapter of my career, and I do so with nothing but gratitude in my heart,” Sesane wrote on Instagram.
“Wearing the Orlando Pirates badge was more than just representing a football club; it was living a dream that so many of us grew up chasing.
“Every time I stepped onto the pitch wearing these colours, I understood the responsibility that came with it and made sure I gave everything I had for the badge, my teammates and my incredible supporters who stood by me through every high and every low.”
He added: “To the management, coaches, technical team, medical staff and everyone working tirelessly behind the scenes, thank you for believing in me and helping me grow both as a footballer and as a person. Your guidance, patience and support have shaped me in ways that will stay with me for the rest of my career.
“To my teammates, thank you for becoming brothers. We celebrated victories together, learned from defeats together and created memories that I’ll carry with me forever. The changing room laughs, the hard training sessions, the sacrifices and the unforgettable moments on match days will always hold a special place in my heart.”
THABISO SESANE LOOKING FORWARD TO HIS NEW CHAPTER WITH SIWELELE FC
Looking ahead to his new chapter with Siwelele, Sesane acknowledged that while parting ways is difficult, he’s excited about the dawn of a new era in his career.
“It’s never easy saying goodbye to a place that has meant so much to me. Football is a game of new opportunities and new challenges. I’m excited for what’s ahead, but a part of my heart will always belong to Orlando Pirates.
“This is not goodbye forever, it’s simply farewell for now. Once a Buccaneer, always a Buccaneer. Thank you, Orlando Pirates,” he concluded.
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