Orlando Pirates FC have secured a place in the 2026-27 CAF Champions League and completed 11 new signings during the transfer window. The reigning champions were one of the busiest teams in the Premier Soccer League as they reshaped their squad for a campaign on multiple fronts. The club's activity is detailed on its official squad page.
Sitting second in the standings with 19 points from seven games, the club's strong form has been built on a defence that has conceded just once this season. This solid platform, combined with their continental qualification, provided the backdrop for significant squad activity. The club recruited players like Dublin Boon, Thapelo Mokobodi and Mthetheleli Mthiyane from Stellenbosch, while also bringing in Aphiwe Baliti, Gamphani Lungu, Bohlale Ngwato and Neo Rapoo from Siwelele. Further arrivals included Siyabonga Nkosi from Kaizer Chiefs, and international signings Aboubacar Doumbia from ASEC Mimosas and Juan Pablo Ramirez from Atletico Nacional.
Key departures and squad changes
Alongside the 11 arrivals, Orlando Pirates sold 23 players. Key departures included Deon van Rooyen's move to Mamelodi Sundowns, Relebohile Mofokeng's transfer to Union Saint Gilloise, and Patrick Maswanganyi joining Al Khaldiya in Bahrain. Tshegofatso Mabasa departed for Maghreb Fes, while Sipho Mbule moved to Iraqi club Zakho. The scale of the changes underlines the club's intent to refresh its options. Several players also left on loan, including Jabulani Mokone to Midlands Wanderers and Abdoulaye Mariko to Marumo Gallants. The club confirmed that veteran midfielder Ben Motshwari was among those released after his contract expired.
Recent form and upcoming fixture
The squad overhaul comes as the team enjoys a strong run of results. Their last five matches have yielded four wins and a draw, with the most recent a 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants where new signing Thapelo Mokobodi provided two assists. The immediate focus now shifts to integrating the new signings ahead of the next league match, a key home fixtures against rivals Kaizer Chiefs. With the transfer window closed, the work continues on the training ground to prepare for the challenge of maintaining their title challenge and making an impact in Africa. Coach Jose Riveiro emphasised the need for the new players to adapt quickly to the system, stating the club's stats show a need for more creativity in the final third to sustain their push at the top.
Further reading: The Big 3 And Their Transfer Business
