FARPost has established that goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi has completed his anticipated move to Sekhukhune United, just days after his sudden departure from Orlando Pirates. The development comes despite the Soweto giants recently exercising their option to extend the shot-stopper’s contract by a further year.
However, after Babina Noko identified him as the ideal replacement for Renaldo Leaner, Sekhukhune and Pirates reached a transfer agreement. The deal sees the KwaZulu-Natal-born goalkeeper join the Limpopo outfit on a two-year contract, with an option to extend for a further season.
After deciding against retaining Leaner beyond the expiry of his contract, Sekhukhune set out to find a local goalkeeper to compete with Zambian international Toaster Nsabata and Equatorial Guinea shot-stopper Manuel Sapunga for the number one jersey.
Leaner, a former Ajax Cape Town youth product, has since joined Kaizer Chiefs and is currently with the club at their pre-season training camp in Spain.
MELUSI BUTHELEZI BEGINS NEW CHAPTER AT SEKHUKHUNE UNITED
Before concluding the deal for Buthelezi, FARPost understands Sekhukhune also explored the possibility of signing Jody February from Mamelodi Sundowns. However, February is expected to travel with the Brazilians to Austria for pre-season and could still be retained as a backup goalie at the club.
Buthelezi now begins a new chapter under head coach Cedric Kaze after spending three seasons at Pirates, where he largely played understudy to first-choice goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
Despite limited opportunities, the 28-year-old made 22 appearances across all competitions, conceding 14 goals while keeping an impressive 12 clean sheets. During his time at Pirates, he also collected the Betway Premiership title and several domestic cup honours.
With the 2026/27 season set to kick off on 1 August, Buthelezi will be eager to establish himself at Sekhukhune and challenge both Nsabata and Sapunga for a regular starting place as he looks to rediscover the form that earned him a high-profile move from TS Galaxy to Pirates in July 2023.
Meanwhile, Sekhukhune United have also signed Givemore Khupe, Athenkosi Mcaba, Nyiko Mobbie, Gomolemo Khoto, Siyabonga Ndlozi, Thabang Mahlangu, Samba O’Neil, Oageng Phiri, and D’Angelo Kazeem ahead of the new season.
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