Orlando Pirates are in a rebuilding phase after the sale of Relebohile Mofokeng. Is there a new superstar midfielder in their midsts?
Orlando Pirates fans wax lyrical over Dansin
Although Cemran Dansin operated mostly on the fringes for the club, there’s no doubting his ability. The 21-year-old can operate in several midfield roles, although he might be most useful closer to goal. Just look at his screamer against Sundowns for proof of that. A quick look at the comments section of a Pirates post featuring the player, and you’ll get a clear picture of how fans view him. Although Dansin is stylistically different to the departed Rele Mofokeng, he could end up slotting into that vacant number 10 role.
Is Witbooi the big money Mofokeng replacement?
Diminutive in stature, Cape Town City star Emile Witbooi is far from the finished product. However, the 17-year-old is highly thought of in South Africa. City has placed a big price tag on his head, thought to be rising to R20 million, so Pirates will need to think long and hard about how they structure any potential deal for the attacking midfielder born in 2008.
Big money departures
In recent campaigns, several high-profile names have left Pirates. Mbekezeli Mbokazi is with the Chicago Fire in the USA, Mofokeng has joined Royal Union Saint-Gilloise, and Mohau Nkota made the switch to Saudi Arabia in July 2025. Riddled by injuries in the past 18 months, the unfortunate Thabiso Sesane has been released. If you include him, that’s four key first-team regulars no longer around.
