The 2025 Pirates Cup proved to be a resounding success for Orlando Pirates – both on and off the field – during a thrilling Easter weekend of football action.
While the Buccaneers may not have lifted the trophy this time around, their long-term vision reaped significant rewards, as they identified and signed one of the tournament’s brightest young stars.
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Seventeen-year-old winger Rethabile Ramontoeli emerged as a standout performer and has now officially joined the Soweto giants on a two-year deal.
“There is an exciting player who has been signed by Orlando Pirates, and soon people will be talking about him,” a source close to the club told the Siya crew.
“His name is Rethabile Ramontoeli and he plays as a winger and as an attacking midfielder. He is the next Relebohile Mofokeng, that one – I promise you.”
Ramontoeli turned heads at the tournament while representing the James Mothibi Sports Development Academy.
His sharp skills, attacking flair, and composure on the ball left a lasting impression on the Pirates scouts.
“Rethabile was one of the most exciting talents at the 2025 Pirates Cup. He was scouted by James Mothibi, a former Pirates player himself, in Bloemfontein. Since then, he’s made remarkable progress in a short space of time,” the source added.
The young star’s signing is a significant win for Pirates’ development pipeline, showcasing the value of the tournament as a key scouting and talent development platform.
Meanwhile, Lerumo Lions claimed the Men’s Under-21 title, putting in a strong showing to emerge victorious at Marks Park on Monday.
On the women’s side, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies once again demonstrated their dominance, lifting the Women’s Pirates Cup trophy.
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The 2025 edition of the Pirates Cup not only delivered high-quality football but also reaffirmed its role as one of the most important youth development platforms in South African football.
For Pirates, the event was yet another step in building the future of the club – and perhaps the country.
