🚨PSL TRANSFER SHOCK: Pirates CONFIRM Rhulani Mokwena as COACH?! Chiefs Finalize Ndlovu Deal & MORE!🔥

In what may be one of the most dramatic off-season developments in recent years, Orlando Pirates are now at the center of a coaching shockwave: Rhulani Mokwena, former Mamelodi Sundowns boss and tactical mastermind, has been strongly linked—and now seemingly confirmed—as the new head coach of the Buccaneers.

While the club has yet to release a full official statement, multiple reliable insiders have leaked that Mokwena has signed a deal and will be unveiled in the coming days.

The move comes after Mandla Ncikazi’s tenure began to unravel, with Pirates fans calling for a leadership overhaul following an inconsistent season.

Sources close to the club claim that management lost patience after another trophyless campaign and saw Mokwena as the man to inject fresh intensity, structure, and tactical sharpness into the squad.

A source from within the Orlando Stadium corridors revealed, “Mokwena was always part of the plan.

The club just had to wait for the right moment.

This bold appointment not only sends a message to rivals but also raises serious questions about what happens next at Sundowns, where Mokwena left under cloudy circumstances.

Did Pirates outmaneuver Downs financially? Or is Mokwena simply seeking a new challenge after dominating the PSL with the Tshwane giants?

If confirmed, this would be a full-circle moment for Mokwena, who previously served as an assistant at Pirates before stepping out on his own.

Now, he returns as the main man, with eyes firmly set on dethroning Sundowns and bringing back silverware to Soweto.

Meanwhile, across town at Kaizer Chiefs, the action is just as intense.

After months of speculation and stalled negotiations, the club is now reportedly within touching distance of signing Siphesihle Ndlovu, the talented midfield dynamo whose stock has been rising rapidly.

Chiefs have long been admirers of Ndlovu’s versatility, energy, and tactical awareness—and now, multiple sources say the deal is almost done.

According to leaked contract details, Ndlovu has agreed on personal terms and a formal announcement could arrive by the end of the week.

The 27-year-old is expected to take a central role in the club’s much-needed midfield rebuild, especially following a dismal season where Chiefs struggled to control the middle of the park.

What makes this deal even more strategic is that Ndlovu reportedly rejected interest from SuperSport United and Stellenbosch FC, opting instead to revive his career at Naturena.

Chiefs fans, long starved of silverware and structure, have reacted with cautious optimism.

One fan tweeted, “If we get Ndlovu and a decent striker, maybe—just maybe—we start dreaming again.

”

Speaking of strikers, the Amakhosi are not done yet.

Chiefs are also rumored to be chasing Etiosa Ighodaro, the Nigerian forward who impressed during his loan spell at SuperSport United.

Negotiations are ongoing, but the player is said to be “very keen” on wearing gold and black.

With talks between Chiefs and Sundowns intensifying, this could be the next big announcement if all goes well.

Elsewhere in the PSL, Mamelodi Sundowns aren’t exactly sitting still either.

Insiders reveal that the reigning champions are plotting a move for a foreign central defender and a left-winger from Ligue 1, aiming to fill the void left by several recent exits.

After losing the Mokwena brain trust, the club is under pressure to prove that the Sundowns machine can still run at full throttle without him.

Meanwhile, Cape Town City and AmaZulu FC are also active in the market.

City are reportedly chasing a veteran goalkeeper from the DRC national team setup, while AmaZulu are closing in on a midfield enforcer from Zambia.

There’s even talk of a blockbuster swap deal involving Royal AM, who may be preparing to offload one of their most high-profile attackers in exchange for two promising youngsters and cash.

Back to Orlando Pirates—the Mokwena move is more than just a coaching change.

It signals a possible player shake-up as well.

A list of at least seven players has reportedly been handed to management by Mokwena himself—those he wants out and those he wants in.

This includes potential interest in Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema and overseas-based talent with PSL links.

Fans should expect a wave of departures and arrivals in the coming weeks, as Mokwena aims to build a team in his image: tactically disciplined, physically ruthless, and technically precise.

The Buccaneers are back in business, and their new captain at the helm is not here to play games.

As for Kaizer Chiefs, the message is simple: Rebuild with purpose—or get left behind.

The Ndlovu deal is a solid step in the right direction, but more needs to follow if Amakhosi are to compete with Mokwena’s incoming Pirates army or Sundowns’ well-oiled machine.

One thing’s for sure: the 2025/26 PSL season is shaping up to be one of the most explosive yet.

With blockbuster signings, shocking departures, and powerful personalities colliding, this transfer window might just be the spark that lights the fire.

Stay tuned.

Because if you think it’s over—it’s only just begun.