Orlando Pirates have been by far the busiest team during the off-season.
So far, the Buccaneers have signed nine players which including the likes of Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis. The nine players are part of the squad that is currently in Spain for their pre-season training.
On Sunday, the Buccaneers shocked many fans when they announced the departure of Mohau Nkota. The 20-year-old has been one of their best players last season, scoring crucial goals in the league and CAF Champions League.
“Orlando Pirates confirm that an agreement has been reached for the permanent transfer of Mohau Nkota to Ettifaq Club in the Saudi Pro League,” the club said in a statement.
“The move is subject to the 20-year-old agreeing to personal terms and passing a medical.
Nkota’s departure comes after a standout debut season in the Buccaneers’ senior squad, where he featured in 39 official matches and registered 12 goal contributions.”
Mofokeng set to leave Orlando Pirates
Relebohile Mofokeng is currently in Spain with the Buccaneers but has been widely tipped to move to Europe in the coming weeks. Both Mofokeng and Nkota were instrumental for Pirates last season, and losing them both could hurt the team.
“I feel alive,” Mofokeng said when he was asked about his pre-season
“Football is back, we’re back, so that brings back my life. The rest [break] was short, but then it’s work, what can we say? We have to get going,” he said as per KickOff..
Can the Buccaneers sign more players?
It was reported in June that Orlando Pirates joined the race to sign Nigerian striker Etiosa Ighodaro. Teams like Kaizer Chiefs were also said to be interested in the Nigerian-born forward who spent last season on loan at AmaZulu.
Another Nigerian who is actually in the books of Orlando Pirates is Olisa Ndah. The talented defender is not part of the Buccaneers’ pre-season squad in Spain. This week, his agent Mike Makaab revealed that the experienced centre back was in his final stages of rehabilitation and will rejoin the team when they return from camp.
Did Pirates make a mistake releasing Nkota?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.