Orlando Pirates continue transfer spree with three more signings

Fresh from a historic 2025/26 campaign that culminated in a sensational domestic treble, the Buccaneers have wasted little time in laying down an early marker ahead of the new season.

If their transfer activity is anything to go by, Pirates are determined to ensure that last season was not a one-off, but rather the beginning of a new era of dominance.

Having wrestled the Betway Premiership crown away from perennial champions Mamelodi Sundowns, the Soweto giants have emerged as the busiest club in the transfer market, moving swiftly to strengthen a squad that already conquered the domestic game.

Pirates have already confirmed the arrivals of Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Sbangani Zulu, Ghampani Lungu and Bohlale Ngwato. Now, the Buccaneers have added another three exciting prospects to their ranks in the form of Neo Rapoo, Aphiwe Baliti and Matome Mmolai.

The latest additions further underline the club’s ambition as they prepare to defend their league title while mounting another serious challenge in every competition they enter.

Among the new arrivals, the signing of Rapoo could prove to be one of the most intriguing pieces of business. The highly-rated 20-year-old left-back joins from Siwelele FC after coming through the respected development structures at SuperSport United.

A South African youth international, Rapoo fits the profile of the modern full-back. He is energetic, technically sound and comfortable contributing at both ends of the pitch. With plenty of experience for his age and even greater potential, he arrives at Pirates with a bright future ahead of him.

Bucs have also secured the services of versatile defender Baliti from Siwelele FC. Balit, though, willl spend the upcoming 2026/27 campaign back at Siwelele on loan, allowing him to continue accumulating regular first-team minutes before making the step up to challenge for a place at Pirates.

Read: Neo Rapoo pens farewell message following Siwelele transfer to Orlando Pirates

Completing the latest intake is midfielder Mmolai, who joins from Leicesterford City. The 23-year-old’s arrival adds further depth and competition to a Pirates engine room that already possesses significant quality.

While the arrivals have dominated the headlines, Pirates have also begun streamlining their squad ahead of the new campaign. The club confirmed that youngsters Gomolemo Khoto and Siyabonga Ndlozi have completed permanent moves to Sekhukhune United, while right-back Tshepho Mashiloane will return to Babina Noko on a season-long loan spell.

The Buccaneers had already initiated their squad overhaul following the conclusion of last season, with five players departing after their contracts were not renewed.

Sipho Mbule was the headline exit after struggling to make the desired impact during the second half of the campaign, while Karim Kimvuidi, Bandile Shandu, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Deivi Miguel Vieira also moved on.

And Pirates’ transfer business may still be far from complete.

The club continues to be heavily linked with highly-rated Golden Arrows attacker Siyanda Ndlovu, with reports suggesting an announcement could be imminent.