Orlando Pirates are wasting no time as they prepare for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, quickly moving to reshape their squad following the departure of head coach Jose Riveiro. Despite not yet announcing their new coach, the Soweto giants have already made strides in the transfer market to ensure their next campaign starts strong.
The Buccaneers ended the 2024/25 season as runners-up to Mamelodi Sundowns for a third consecutive year. While they narrowly missed out on the league title once again, their season was far from a failure. They clinched the MTN8 trophy for a record third time in a row, further solidifying their dominance in the competition. In the Nedbank Cup, they reached the final but were edged out by arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
Pirates also turned heads on the continental stage with an impressive CAF Champions League run. They topped a challenging group featuring African giants Al Ahly and went unbeaten in the group stages. Their campaign ended in the semi-finals at the hands of eventual champions Pyramids FC, but the performance highlighted their growth under Riveiro.
As the club transitions into a new era, sources suggest Pirates have already secured agreements with at least five new players. Among them is Baroka FC’s rising star, Tshepo Mashiloane, who is set to join the Buccaneers in a double deal alongside teammate Kabelo Kgositsile.
Mashiloane, a versatile and hard-working midfielder, expressed mixed emotions about the move. Speaking to FARPost, he admitted he wished he could have helped Baroka FC gain promotion before making the switch.
“I would have loved to join Orlando Pirates knowing I had helped Baroka return to the top flight. But I believe the guys will do well next season and bring the club back where it belongs,” said Mashiloane.
He also acknowledged the support he received from Baroka’s chairman Khurishi Mphahlele and expressed his excitement about the next chapter in his career.
“The chairman has backed me and is happy about the move. I know I’ll need to push myself at Pirates to stay competitive. I want to earn my place and get a chance to play in big cup competitions like the Carling Knockout Cup, MTN8, and the Nedbank Cup. I have a lot I want to achieve at this club.”
Mashiloane’s hunger and humility reflect the type of mentality Pirates will need if they are to break Sundowns’ stranglehold on South African football. With several fresh faces and a new coach on the horizon, the Buccaneers look determined to rewrite the script in the upcoming season.
