Orlando Pirates, one of South Africa’s most iconic football clubs, are undergoing a significant squad overhaul ahead of the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season.
This revamp has seen a wave of departures as the club seeks to reshape its roster and build a team capable of competing at the highest levels both domestically and continentally.
To date, a total of ten players have left the club, with several moving to PSL rivals, some heading abroad, and others still searching for new opportunities.
This article provides an in-depth look at these departures, the destinations of the players involved, and the implications for Orlando Pirates as they prepare for the new season.

The Wave of Departures: Who Has Left Orlando Pirates?

The list of players who have parted ways with Orlando Pirates this off-season is notable for its size and diversity.
Among the ten players released, some are well-known veterans, while others are younger talents seeking fresh opportunities.

The players who have left Pirates are:

Innocent Maela (Unattached)
Miguel Timm (Unattached)
Paseka Mako (Kaizer Chiefs)
Thabiso Monyane (Kaizer Chiefs)
Phillip Ndlondlo (Unattached)
Monnapule Saleng (Orbit College – loan)
Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq, Saudi Arabia)
Azola Tshobeni (Chippa United)
Zakhele Lepasa (Unattached)
Goodman Mosele (Chippa United – loan)

This exodus reflects a strategic decision by Pirates’ management to refresh the squad, offload surplus players, and potentially free up wage budgets for new signings.

Veteran Leadership Transition: Innocent Maela’s New Role

One of the most significant departures in terms of club culture is that of Innocent Maela.
Maela, a veteran defender and club stalwart, currently remains unattached but is expected to transition into a non-playing role within the club.

Sources close to Orlando Pirates reveal that Maela has accepted the prospect of retiring from active play and is eager to contribute to the club in a different capacity.
His leadership qualities, calm demeanor, and deep understanding of the club’s culture make him an ideal candidate for mentoring younger players and supporting the coaching staff.

This move is seen as a natural progression for Maela, who has long been regarded as a leader on and off the pitch.
His continued involvement with Pirates in a developmental or ambassadorial role could help preserve the club’s identity and instill the values that have defined the Amakhosi over the years.

Free Agents Seeking New Homes: Timm, Lepasa, and Ndlondlo

Miguel Timm, Zakhele Lepasa, and Phillip Ndlondlo have all been released and remain free agents.
Their futures are uncertain as they search for new clubs willing to offer them contracts.

Timm, a midfielder known for his work rate and versatility, has struggled with consistent game time in recent seasons.
His experience could still be valuable to teams looking for squad depth and leadership in midfield.

Lepasa, a forward, has shown flashes of potential but has yet to establish himself as a regular starter at Pirates.
Finding a club where he can play regularly and develop further will be crucial for his career trajectory.

Ndlondlo, a younger player, also faces the challenge of proving his worth to prospective employers.
The coming weeks will be critical for these players as they attend trials, negotiate contracts, and seek to continue their professional careers.

Moves to PSL Rivals: Mako and Monyane Join Kaizer Chiefs

Among the most eye-catching transfers are those of Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane, both of whom have moved directly to Orlando Pirates’ arch-rivals, Kaizer Chiefs.

This development adds an extra layer of intrigue to the fierce rivalry between the two clubs, known as the Soweto Derby, which is one of the most passionately contested fixtures in South African football.

Mako, a defender with a reputation for solid performances, brings experience and defensive stability to Chiefs.
Monyane, a versatile player capable of operating in multiple positions, offers tactical flexibility.

Their arrival at Chiefs not only strengthens a direct competitor but also deprives Pirates of valuable squad members.
It remains to be seen how these players will adapt to their new environment and whether they will become key figures in the Chiefs lineup.

Loans and Transfers to Other PSL Clubs: Saleng, Tshobeni, and Mosele

Orlando Pirates have also loaned and sold players to other PSL clubs as part of their squad reshuffle.

Monnapule Saleng, a promising winger, has been loaned out to Orbit College, a club competing in lower divisions.
This move is likely aimed at providing Saleng with regular playing time to aid his development.
There is ongoing debate among fans and analysts about whether Saleng should return to Pirates after his loan spell or seek a permanent move elsewhere to secure consistent first-team football.

Azola Tshobeni and Goodman Mosele have both moved to Chippa United, with Tshobeni sold outright and Mosele sent on loan.
Chippa United, known for giving opportunities to emerging talents, could provide these players with the platform to showcase their abilities and potentially reignite their careers.

International Departure: Mohau Nkota’s Move to Saudi Arabia

Mohau Nkota’s transfer to Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia marks a significant step in his career.
The move abroad offers Nkota exposure to a different footballing culture and the chance to compete in the Saudi Pro League, which has been attracting increasing attention and investment in recent years.

For Orlando Pirates, Nkota’s departure represents both a loss of talent and an opportunity to capitalize financially.
Such international transfers are becoming more common as South African players seek to broaden their horizons and improve their earnings.

Implications for Orlando Pirates’ Squad and Strategy

The departure of ten players, including key figures and squad depth options, signals a major transition for Orlando Pirates.
The club’s management appears focused on streamlining the squad, reducing wage bills, and creating space for new acquisitions better suited to the coach’s tactical vision.

This overhaul may also reflect a response to recent performances and results that fell short of expectations.
By refreshing the roster, Pirates aim to build a more cohesive and competitive unit capable of challenging for the PSL title and making an impact in continental competitions.

However, the loss of experienced players like Maela and the sale of players to rivals such as Chiefs present risks.
Maintaining squad balance, leadership, and morale will be crucial as the club integrates new signings and promotes younger talent.

The Role of Youth and Development

As part of their rebuilding process, Orlando Pirates will likely place greater emphasis on youth development and academy graduates.
Loaning out players like Monnapule Saleng to gain experience is consistent with this approach.

Developing homegrown talent not only strengthens the club’s identity but also offers financial sustainability by reducing reliance on expensive transfers.
The challenge lies in ensuring that young players receive adequate support and opportunities to transition successfully to senior football.

Fan Reactions and Expectations

Orlando Pirates’ fan base is among the most passionate and demanding in South African football.
The recent departures and squad changes have sparked varied reactions among supporters.

Some fans welcome the overhaul as a necessary step to rejuvenate the team and bring fresh energy.
Others express concern about losing familiar faces and worry about the short-term impact on performance and results.

Managing these expectations will be vital for the club’s leadership and coaching staff as they navigate the transition period.
Clear communication about the club’s vision and progress can help maintain supporter trust and enthusiasm.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Orlando Pirates?

With the 2025/26 PSL season approaching, Orlando Pirates face the challenge of assembling a competitive squad quickly.
The club’s recruitment team is expected to be active in the transfer market, seeking players who can fill the gaps left by departures and enhance the team’s quality.

Tactical adjustments and pre-season preparations will also be critical to integrating new players and building team chemistry.

The success of this transition will depend on several factors:

The quality and fit of new signings
The development and impact of loaned-out players returning to the squad
The ability of coaching staff to motivate and organize the team
Maintaining a strong club culture despite personnel changes

Orlando Pirates’ current squad revamp represents a bold attempt to reset and refocus the club’s ambitions.
The departure of ten players, including veterans and promising talents, underscores the scale of this transformation.

While losing players to rivals like Kaizer Chiefs adds drama and complexity, it also highlights the competitive nature of South African football.

The club’s future success will hinge on effective recruitment, youth development, and strong leadership both on and off the pitch.
If managed well, this period of change could lay the foundation for a new era of achievement and glory for the Buccaneers.

For supporters, patience and faith will be essential as Orlando Pirates navigate this challenging but potentially rewarding phase.
The coming months promise excitement, uncertainty, and the hope of renewed success for one of South Africa’s footballing giants.