Orlando Pirates have parted ways with several high-profile players during what has been a busy transfer window for the Buccaneers.
The biggest departure is undoubtedly Relebohile Mofokeng, who joined Belgian giants Union Saint-Gilloise in July. Just three weeks after the start of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season, Pirates also parted ways with Patrick Maswanganyi.
The 28-year-old midfielder has moved to Bahrain, taking the total number of departures from the club this transfer window to 17.
With 17 players leaving, the Buccaneers have brought in just nine new faces. So far, none of the new signings have firmly established themselves as regular starters, raising questions about the depth of the squad as the season progresses.
Despite the significant turnover, Pirates have made a strong start to the new campaign. Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side currently sit top of the Betway Premiership with seven points from their opening three matches.
The Buccaneers are also in the MTN8 semi-finals and are favourites to reach yet another final as they target a fifth consecutive triumph in the competition.
However, with the transfer window remaining open until September, further movement is expected at Orlando Pirates. The club could still strengthen the squad while more players could also be shown the exit door.
The upcoming CAF Champions League campaign will place an even greater demand on Ouaddou’s squad. With domestic and continental football to juggle, squad depth could prove crucial if Pirates are to defend their Betway Premiership title while also making a deep run in Africa.
Orlando Pirates departures raise eyebrows in the transfer window
The 17 players who have left the club this transfer window are:
Sonwabo Khumalo
Seth Green
Siyabonga Ndlozi
Gomolemo Khoto
Blessing Ngiba
Selaelo Rasebotja
Karim Kimvuidi
Melusi Buthelezi
Gilberto
Thabiso Lebitso
Thabiso Sesane
Tshegofatso Mabasa
Relebohile Mofokeng
Deano van Rooyen
Bandile Shandu
Patrick Maswanganyi
Sipho Mbule
With so many players already gone and the CAF Champions League still to come, the remaining weeks of the transfer window could be crucial for Orlando Pirates.
