Orlando Pirates Shake-Up: Eight Players Set to Leave Before Pre-Season – Who’s Out and What’s Next?

Orlando Pirates, one of South Africa’s most storied football clubs, is entering a new era marked by significant change.

Recent announcements confirmed that longtime captain Innocent Myela and influential midfielder Miguel Team will not have their contracts renewed.

These two players were central figures in the club’s recent campaigns, making their departures especially notable.

The decision to part ways with such experienced players signals Pirates’ intent to reset and rebuild.

Under former head coach Jose Rivero, the club has emphasized youth development as the cornerstone of its future.

This vision has already begun to bear fruit, with several young talents promoted from the DSTV Challenge squad during the 2024/25 season.

Names like Bogazi, Simple, and Mo are no longer just prospects; they have earned call-ups to the Bafana Bafana squad for upcoming friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique.

This recognition by the national team coaches highlights the success of Pirates’ youth development approach and suggests a promising pipeline of talent ready to step up.

However, this youth movement comes at a cost to the current senior squad.

To make room for the next generation, the club is preparing to say goodbye to several seasoned players.

Sources close to the club indicate that more exits are imminent, with some departures expected sooner than fans might anticipate.

Here is the full list of players reportedly set to leave Orlando Pirates before the new season:

Innocent Myela – The veteran captain whose leadership was crucial in recent years but whose contract will not be renewed as part of the squad overhaul.
Miguel Team – A midfield general and creative force who will also depart, marking the end of an era in Pirates’ midfield.
Gilberto – The Angolan winger spent the latter half of last season on loan and struggled for playing time, making his future at Pirates uncertain.
Duanto – A skillful midfielder currently under review, with exit talks reportedly underway as the club looks to refresh its midfield options.
Goodman Mole – Once highly rated, Mole now faces an uncertain future amid the club’s preference for younger midfield talents.
Cello Baloney – Another midfielder whose status is in limbo, with little indication he fits into the club’s long-term plans.
Zakhele Lepasa – The 28-year-old striker did not feature once last season, and his silence on the pitch may become permanent as Pirates look elsewhere for attacking options.
Tabby Sony – Although not officially confirmed, rumors suggest the fullback is also on the list of potential departures.

This list illustrates the scale of the changes Pirates are undertaking.

The club clearly intends to shed players who no longer align with its strategic vision, focusing instead on youth and rebuilding for sustained success.

While some fans may be shocked by the names involved, the message from management is clear: no player is guaranteed a spot when the future calls for reinvention.

The shake-up also reflects a broader trend in South African football, where clubs are increasingly investing in youth academies and promoting young talent to compete both domestically and internationally.

Looking ahead, Orlando Pirates face the challenge of integrating their emerging stars while maintaining competitiveness in the Premier Soccer League.

The departure of experienced players means that younger squad members will need to quickly adapt to the demands of top-flight football.

The club’s ability to balance this transition will be critical.

Success could cement Pirates’ reputation as a talent factory and restore their status as title contenders.

Conversely, a poorly managed rebuild risks instability and underperformance.

In conclusion, Orlando Pirates are undergoing a dramatic squad transformation ahead of the new season.

The confirmed exits of leaders like Innocent Myela and Miguel Team, alongside several other players, mark the beginning of a youth-driven rebuild.

This bold strategy aims to secure long-term success by giving opportunities to promising talents recently promoted to the senior squad.

Fans should prepare for a fresh-look Pirates team, energized by youthful exuberance but lacking some of the familiar faces of recent years.

As pre-season approaches, all eyes will be on how well the new squad gels and whether the Buccaneers can reclaim their dominance in South African football.

Stay tuned for further updates on Orlando Pirates’ squad developments, transfer news, and expert analysis.

The upcoming season promises excitement, challenges, and a new chapter in the club’s illustrious history.