Orlando Pirates have reportedly bolstered their attacks with highly-rated striker Yanela Mbuthuma from Richards Bay FC.
The 23-year-old had been linked with both Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates following an impressive spell with the KwaZulu-Natal side, where he was featured in 27 matches and netted six goals across all competitions during the 2024/25 season.
Mbuthuma recently made his national team debut on 10 June, in an International Friendly match between Bafana Bafana and Mozambique. He gelled well with the Pirates duo of Mohau Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng while leading the frontline.
The initial report came from SABC Sport, which also mentioned that the Natal Rich Boyz have secured his replacement, Gabadinho Mhango, a seasoned striker who was recently let go by Marumo Gallants.
The striker will compete for the starting lineup in the Buccaneers against regulars Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa, while Zakhele Lepasa was hardly featured last season after suffering an injury at the start of the season and youngster Boitumelo Radiopane received some game time towards the end of the season.
The Sea Robbers are gearing up to travel to Spain for their preseason camp next month, where it has been confirmed that they will face Bolton Wanderers in a friendly match on Friday, 11 July. It remains to be seen whether they will announce Mbuthuma before the start of the camp.