Champions Orlando Pirates have moved swiftly to announce major movements, confirming the arrival of four new players and the release of five others, including international midfielder Sipho Mbule.
Pirates, who will be competing at the African Champions League next season, have confirmed the signing of midfielder Mthetheleli Mthiyane from Stellenbosch and defender Sbangani Zulu of Richards Bay, as well as the Siwelele attacking duo of Bohale Ngwato and Ghampani Lungu.
The deal for Mthiyane sees defender Thabiso Lebitso move to Stellenbosch in a swap.
Pirates announced in a statement on Tuesday, which made a pointed reference to speculation about new signings on social media, which have turned out to be true.
Mbule’s rapid fall from grace continues as Pirates named him among five players released at the end of their contracts.
Mbule had been in the South Africa squad at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco at the turn of the year but has played little since, as he battled to keep fit amid allegations of a partying lifestyle.
He had an equally brief stint at Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United, also clouded by reports of indiscipline, and now has a poor reputation in the marketplace.
Pirates also did not renew the contracts of Bandile Shandu, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Karim Kimvuidi, and the Angolan winger Gilberto, who was back on loan with Petro Atlético in Luanda this past season. Kimvuidi was in Israel on loan.
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— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) June 9, 2026
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