Orlando Pirates have suddenly been left with just one recognised right-back. Deano Van Rooyen’s departure was unexpected, while Thabiso Lebitso and Siyabonga Ndlozi have also moved on.
That leaves Sebelebele as the only recognised senior option, making a Betway Premiership-proven player an obvious priority for Pirates.
This is the third and final player we are profiling.
TSHEPHO MASHILOANE COULD BE THE ANSWER FOR ORLANDO PIRATES
Mashiloane could provide the Sea Robbers with a solution that is already within their own ranks.
The 24-year-old was born on 30 April 2002 and started making a name for himself at Baroka FC before earning a move to Orlando Pirates.
His initial spell in Soweto was difficult, with Mashiloane struggling to find consistency and composure in possession. His early appearances suggested that he needed more experience before becoming a regular part of the Buccaneers’ senior setup.
The club subsequently sent him on loan to Sekhukhune United, where the right-back was given an opportunity to rebuild his confidence and play regular first-team football.
That decision has paid off. Mashiloane enjoyed an impressive first loan campaign, contributing two goals and two assists in 17 appearances. His progress convinced Sekhukhune to extend his stay for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
However, his parent club now finds itself in a completely different situation. With Van Rooyen gone and Lebitso and Ndlozi also no longer available, Pirates are short of options at right-back. That could force the club to consider recalling Mashiloane from Babina Noko.
MASHILOANE’S NUMBERS MAKE A CASE
Mashiloane has developed into an attacking threat from the right side, particularly when joining the attack from deep.
His current FotMob data shows an expected goals figure of 0.16 and an expected assists rating of 0.04. He has registered two shots, with one finding the target.
His attacking ability was particularly evident in a standout performance against Chippa United, when he scored and provided two assists while producing a near-perfect match rating.
His passing numbers also show clear progress from his early days at Orlando Pirates.
Mashiloane has completed 104 passes at a 75.4% accuracy rate. He has also completed 10 accurate long balls at a 45.5% success rate, showing that he can switch play and look for more direct options when required.
Further up the flank, he has created one clear goal-scoring chance.
Defensively, the right-back has recorded 27 contributions, including six tackles, five interceptions and 16 clearances. He has also recovered possession 17 times and helped Sekhukhune United keep three clean sheets while he has been on the pitch.
CAN BUCS BRING HIM BACK?
There are still areas where Mashiloane can improve. He has won 12 overall duels at a 33.3% success rate, while his aerial numbers are stronger, with four aerial duels won at a 57.1% success rate.
He has committed six fouls and been dribbled past six times, but his discipline has been impressive. Mashiloane has received no yellow or red cards during the period covered by the available data.
He has also won two fouls from opponents attempting to stop his forward runs.
The biggest question for Orlando Pirates is no longer whether Mashiloane can play at this level. Has his development has progressed enough for him to return to Soweto and compete immediately?
The timing could make a recall particularly attractive. Pirates need another right-back, while Mashiloane is already contracted to the club and gaining valuable Betway Premiership experience at Sekhukhune.
Rather than spending money on another signing, Ouaddou could potentially look within his own squad structure for the answer.
Mashiloane’s development at Sekhukhune has given Pirates a much better player than the one who initially struggled with composure on the ball.
With the Buccaneers facing a demanding domestic and continental schedule, bringing him back could now be an option worth serious consideration.
SHOULD ORLANDO PIRATES MAKE THE CALL?
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