Orlando Pirates 10 exits: ‘From Chiefs to PSL rivals’

Orlando Pirates squad revamp is well underway with several players leaving the club.

Orlando Pirates continue to clean up their squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.

To date, a total of 10 Bucs players have been released. Let’s take a look at the sides they will be joining.

PIRATES DEPARTURES AND WHO THEY HAVE SIGNED FOR

Innocent Maela (Unattached)
Miguel Timm (Unattached)
Paseka Mako (Kaizer Chiefs)
Thabiso Monyane (Kaizer Chiefs)
Phillip Ndlondlo (Unattached)
Monnapule Saleng (Orbit College)
Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq)
Azola Tshobeni (Chippa United)
Zakhele Lepasa (Unattached).
Goodman Mosele (Chippa United)

BUCS LEGEND SET FOR NON-PLAYING ROLE, TRIO OF FREE AGENTS SEARCHING FOR NEW CLUBS

Maela, Timm and Lepasa remain clubless following their Bucs departures.

However, Maela is expected to take up a new non-playing role at Pirates.

“Multiple insiders suggest that the veteran has made peace with the idea of hanging up his boots and is eager to continue serving the team in a different capacity,” the report read on SNL.

“He’s always been a leader, calm, disciplined, and passionate about the badge,” a source close to the club revealed. “This transition was a natural step. He still has so much to offer, especially when it comes to helping the next generation understand the culture and expectations at Pirates,” they added.

So, Timm and Lepasa are now both free agents.

SOLD TO KAIZER CHIEFS, LOANED TO PSL RIVALS

Pirates have sold both Mako and Monyane to PSL rivals, Kaizer Chiefs.

Meanwhile, they have loaned out Saleng to Orbit College. Also, Tshobeni has been sold to Chippa. He is set to be joined by Mosele next season, albeit on loan.

Finally, Pirates sold Nkota to Saudi-based outfit, El-Ettifaq.