Who’s likely to be benched in 2025/26

Orlando Pirates have signed 12 new players. That is more than a full starting XI worth of players.

Orlando Pirates have recruited 12 new players.

So, let’s take a look at who is likely to be benched in the 2025/26 season.

PIRATES NEW SIGNINGS – DEBUTS MADE, DEBUTS IMMINENT

Sipho Mbule (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Yanela Mbuthuma (from Richards Bay)
Masindi Nemtajela (Marumo Gallants)
Tshepang Moremi (AmaZulu)
Nkosikhona Ndaba (Richards Bay)
Abdoulaye S Mariko (Djoliba AC)
Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United)
Tshepo Mashiloane (Baroka)
Sihle Nduli (Stellenbosch)
Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City)
Kamogelo Sebelebele (TS Galaxy)
Lebone Seema (TS Galaxy).

Appollis, Mbule and Nduli all made impressive debuts for Pirates. Meaning, these men are expected to feature prominently for the Bucs under Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Thereafter, Tshepang Moremi, Yanela Mbuthuma, and Abdoulaye Mariko all made their Bucs debuts off of the bench. So, half of the debutants made their first Bucs appearances.

Furthermore, half a dozen more are set to make their first Pirates appearances in coming weeks and months. Seema, Sebelebele, Mashiloane, Kwayiba, Ndaba and Nemtajela are all set to earn their Bucs debuts.

WHO IS LIKELY TO BE BENCHED

One thing is clear – squad depth will be key for the Bucs this season.

This is because Pirates are pushing to make a bid for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title and they are back in the CAF Champions League. Meanwhile, Ouaddou and Bucs management are eager to push for every domestic title this season.

So, several players will be rotated. As mentioned, Appollis, Nduli and Mbule all look set to feature prominently this season. Meanwhile, Kwayiba and Moremi are both expected to be given a decent chance to stake their claims.

Therefore, based on the current pecking order, Mbuthuma, Nemtajela, Ndaba, Mariko, Sebelebele, Seema and Mashiloane are likely to utilized off the bench this season.