Former Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi has assessed players signed by the Buccaneers ahead of the 2026/27 season, saying he is “not convinced” by the transfer business so far conducted by coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
The Soweto giants have so far brought in left-backs Neo Rapoo and Aphiwe Baliti as well as attackers Ghampani Lungu and Bohlale Ngwato, all four coming from a swift raid of Siwelele FC. Midfielders Mthetheleli Mthiyane and Matome Mmolai have joined Pirates from Stellenbosch FC and Motsepe Foundation Championship side Leicesterford City FC, respectively.
The influx of new faces comes in the wake of a massive clear-out at Orlando Pirates, which saw a long list of players depart, including the likes of Sipho Mbule, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Thabiso Lebitso, Bandile Shandu, and Thabiso Sesane. Also exiting the Buccaneers are Selaelo Rasebotja, Siyabonga Ndlozi, Gomolemo Khoto, Sonwabo Khumalo, Blessing Ngiba, and Seth Green.
Ouaddou could welcome more players as he reinforces his squad to compete in the CAF Champions League and defend the Betway Premiership, Carling Knockout and MTN8 titles.
TSO VILAKAZI CHALLENGES PIRATES’ NEW SIGNINGS TO PROVE HIM WRONG
“I’m not convinced by the Pirates new signings. They should prove me wrong. They are not what I expected, if I can put it that way, but I don’t want to dismiss the new guys,” Vilakazi told FARPost.
“Obviously, the coach saw something in them, and he is confident that they will bring something to the team. But for me right now, I’m not convinced, and they will have to prove me wrong.”
TSO VILAKAZI IDENTIFIES ABDESLAM OUADDOU’S BIGGEST AREA OF NEED
Ouaddou released Mabasa after the striker spent the second half of last season on loan at Stellenbosch FC. But amongst the new signings, no striker has been signed.
“On the issue of Mabasa, I don’t know what the problem was, so I can’t say much. But Pirates are looking to play in the Champions League and defend the leagu title and Carling Knockout, so they need to reinforce the strikeforce,” added Vilakazi.
“If they can add two more strikers, they will have balance in their squad. Not only strikers are needed, but top strikers, quality strikers who will score a lot of goals.”
RELATED STORY: Why Tso Vilakazi insists Emile Witbooi is the only player to replace Rele Mofokeng at Orlando Pirates
