The top-tier Betway Premiership club, the Orlando Pirates, have announced seven new signings. The names are Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane and Sihle Nduli.
The Sea Robbers’ announcement follows just 24 hours after confirming the arrival of the former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sipho Mbule.
Now let’s have a quick look at how the eight new players will fit into coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team next season.
STARTING 11 WITH THE NEW PLAYERS
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Looking at the list, Orlando Pirates have beefed up every area except the goalkeeper and central defence roles.
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Below is the line-up in a 4-5-1 formation:
- Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine
- Right back: Tshepho Mashiloane
- Central defender: Nkosinathi Sibisi
- Central defender: Mbekezeli Mbokazi
- Left back: Nkosikhona Ndaba
- Central midfielder: Sihle Nduli
- Central midfielder: Masindi Nemtajela
- Central midfielder: Sipho Mbule
- Attacking midfielder: Tsepang Moremi
- Attacking midfielder: Sinoxolo Kwayiba
- Striker: Yanela Mbuthuma.
FULL STATEMENT FROM ORLANDO PIRATES
“Today marks the first step of the 2025/2026 season for both the current and the new crop of players – as they undergo the first day of preseason screenings.
“After weeks of speculation and countless headlines across the football social media landscape, Orlando Pirates Football Club can officially confirm the signings of Yanela Mbuthuma (from Richards Bay), Masindi Nemtajela (Marumo Gallants), Tshepang Moremi (Amazulu), Nkosikhona Ndaba (Richards Bay), Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United), Tshepo Mashiloane (Baroka), and Sihle Nduli (Stellenbosch).
“The new crop of players will join their new teammates later this morning for Day 1 of preseason.
“The day will comprise of a series of medical and physical assessments, an essential step in ensuring every player is equipped for the rigours of the campaign ahead. Club doctors and performance staff will meticulously guide the players through baseline tests and evaluations which is vital not only for fitness tracking, but also for tailoring individual training plans.
“Following the tests – the new players will be taken through an induction process that all new players undergo.
“Transitioning to a club of Orlando Pirates’ stature goes beyond the pitch. The new signings will have the opportunity to interact with some of the club legends such as Edward Motale, Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, and other legends. This coupled with a series of visits – which includes a trip to Soweto to visit a place that they will be calling home for the 2025/26 season – Orlando Stadium, the Meca of South African Football.
“While for the next two days, focus will be on integration and assessments, the real work begins next week, when head coach and his technical staff will take the reins for the formal start of the football side of preseason.
“Make sure you continue to follow Orlandopiratesfc.com as well as our social media platforms where we will introduce each and every new signing to the Ghost ahead of the start of the season.”
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM ORLANDO PIRATES IN THE BETWAY PREMIERSHIP AND CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEXT SEASON?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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