Orlando Pirates are expected to announce further player departures as the Soweto giants continue reshaping their squad ahead of the new season.
The Buccaneers have already confirmed the exits of veteran captain Innocent Maela and experienced midfielder Miguel Timm, whose contracts will not be renewed.
Read: Bucs Slayer Denies Sundowns Champions League Glory
Both players played key roles over the past few seasons but now make way as the club embarks on a new path started under former head coach Jose Riveiro.
During his time, Riveiro made a conscious shift towards youth, having promoted several players from the club’s DStv Diski Challenge team throughout the 2024/25 campaign and before.
That transition has not only injected fresh energy into the senior squad but has also caught the attention of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who has rewarded the progress of the young Buccaneers.
Promising talents like Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Simphiwe Selepe, and Mohau Nkota have received their maiden call-ups to the senior national team for the upcoming friendly internationals against Tanzania and Mozambique this month.
Their inclusion is seen as a strong endorsement of Pirates’ new direction and development strategy.
However, this renewed focus on youth is expected to come at the expense of several senior players, with insiders revealing that more exits are imminent.
Angolan winger Gilberto, who left the club on loan in January, is unlikely to have his stay extended, while Katlego Otladisa, who has struggled for game time and was loaned to Sekhukhune United, could also be among those set to leave.
Read – Tso: Saleng Is Not The Chiefs-Type Player
Midfielders Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Siphelo Baloni are also understood to be facing uncertain futures at the club, as the club is evaluating who fits into the plans for the long-term.
While the full list of departures is yet to be confirmed, it’s clear that the winds of change are sweeping through the Bucs camp, with more announcements expected in the coming days as preparations intensify for the new season.
