In a shocking twist, Orlando Pirates have parted ways with goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi, despite the club having recently triggered an option to extend his stay ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The KZN-born shot-stopper’s exit comes as a major surprise given his role at the Soweto giants, where he served as the primary cover for Sipho Chaine, the club’s undisputed number one over the past few campaigns.
Buthelezi is leaving the Buccaneers after spending the past three seasons with the club, having signed from TS Galaxy as one of the promising goalkeepers in the PSL.
During his spell with the Rockets, Buthelezi made 34 appearances across all competitions, conceding 24 goals while also keeping an impressive 18 clean sheets.
His performances at Galaxy between the sticks earned a big transfer to Pirates; however, Buthelezi’s stay wasn’t fruitful after facing difficult competition from Chaine in the starting line-up.
MELUSI BUTHELEZI IS FREE TO JOIN ANY CLUB AFTER LEAVING ORLANDO PIRATES
When given a chance to play, Buthelezi looked shaky in his performances, conceding questionable goals, which put him under pressure from the club’s high-demanding supporters.
The 28-year-old shot-stopper has featured in 22 matches across all competitions over three seasons with the Ghosts. He leaked 14 goals and kept 12 clean sheets.
Buthelezi is heading out the exit door, with Pirates set to jet off to Spain in the next 24 hours for a pre-season camp at the Marbella Football Centre.
On Friday afternoon, the Sea Robbers officially announced Buthelezi’s departure, thanking the shot-stopper for his commitment during his tenure with the club and wishing him well in his next chapter.
The sudden exit comes as a surprise, given that the Soweto giants recently exercised their option on Buthelezi’s contract to extend his stay at the Mayfair-based outfit, as FARPost previously reported. The latest development marks a U-turn by the club’s hierarchy regarding the goalkeeper’s future.
“The club extends its sincere gratitude to Melusi Buthelezi for his professionalism, commitment, and contribution throughout his time with Orlando Pirates. We wish him every success in this next chapter of his career.” Pirates said on social media.
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