Orlando Pirates have officially parted ways with a quintet of senior stars. Here’s the latest on outgoings at the club.
Pirates announce five player departures
Betway Premiership champs Orlando Pirates are already looking at streamlining their squad for next season.
Four players have arrived, while five will be leaving.
Via the official Pirates website:
“The players who will be leaving the Club upon the conclusion of their respective contracts are Bandile Shandu, Sipho Mbule, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Karim Kimvuidi and Deivi Miguel Vieira (Gilberto).
“Each of the players departs having contributed to the Orlando Pirates journey in their own way, and the Club would like to place on record its appreciation for their service during their time with the Buccaneers.
“Orlando Pirates Football Club thanks Bandile, Sipho, Tshegofatso, Karim and Gilberto for their service and wishes them all the best in the next chapters of their respective careers.”
Orlando Pirates star Mofokeng will be key at the World Cup
Relebohile Mofokeng is expected to play a pivotal role for Bafana at the 2026 World Cup.
Bafana Bafana starts its campaign against Mexico in the tournament opener on Thursday, 11 June. The iconic Estadio Azteca will play host to this grand occasion.
Mexico vs Bafana: 2026 World Cup opener key details
Meanwhile, Mexico and South Africa will kick the 2026 World Cup off at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This was the scene of Diego Maradona’s iconic ‘Hand of God’ goal in 1986 against England.
Incidentally, these sides also played the opening match of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. It was the first showpiece of its kind hosted on African soil.
Co-hosts Mexico, ranked 14th in the world, will be eager to get their campaign off to a winning start. Bafana, meanwhile, is ranked 60th-best on the planet.
Mexico vs South Africa kicks off on Thursday, 11 June at 21:00 (SA time).
