Orlando Pirates have already announced the departures of seven first-team players while also strengthening their squad with eight new signings ahead of the 2026/27 season.
After winning a domestic treble last season, the Buccaneers were always expected to reinforce the squad under new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, with several players making way for the new arrivals.
Among the departures, a few came as major surprises. Fan favourites Thabiso Lebitso and Sipho Mbule were not widely expected to leave the club.
Lebitso enjoyed a promising start to the season before a long-term injury disrupted his campaign. By the time he returned, Deano van Rooyen had established himself as the preferred right-back, with Kamohelo Sebelebele also providing competition in the position.
Mbule, meanwhile, featured regularly during the first half of the season and played a key role in helping Bafana Bafana qualify for the FIFA World Cup. However, reports suggest off-field issues saw him fall out of favour, resulting in limited game time during the second half of the campaign.
Orlando Pirates release fan favourites
Striker Tshegofatso Mabasa, who spent last season on loan at Stellenbosch FC, was also not retained and is currently a free agent. His departure has disappointed many Pirates supporters, who had hoped to see him return to the club.
The other confirmed departures are Bandile Shandu, Karim Kimvuidi, Deivi Miguel Vieira (Gilberto), Gomolemo Khoto and Siyabonga Ndlozi.
Meanwhile, right-back Tshepho Mashiloane will return to Sekhukhune United on a season-long loan to continue his development with regular first-team football.
Pirates have already begun pre-season training and are expected to travel to Europe in the coming weeks as Ouaddou continues preparations for the new campaign.
