OFFICIAL: Orlando Pirates sign Malian midfield maestro
Orlando Pirates are revamping their squad so they can mount a challenge for Betway Premiership and Champions League glory.
Aboudlaye Mariko arrives from Djoliba AC.
What will the 23-year-old bring to the party?
'Ouaddou could beat Chiefs with a relegation team'
The Sea Robbers have swooped to sign the relatively unknown Abdoulaye Mariko from Djoliba. The midfield schemer played seven times in the Champions League last season.
Kabelo Kgositsile, Masindi Nemtajela, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Tshepo Mashiloane, Sihle Nduli, Tsepang Moremi, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Yanela Mbuthuma and Sipho Mbule are all expected to become Pirates players during the winter window.
Is Moremi the new Segolela? Ouaddou had a colourful career that wasn't short of some controversy. Image: Sowetan
Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana wide forward Relebohile Mofokeng seems destined for a big-money move away from South Africa. He racked up a staggering 49 appearances in the 2024-2025 season across all competitions. Arguably the club's most important operator, that sample of matches included 12 goals and 15 assists. It's a stellar output for any player, let alone one who only exited his teens in October 2024.
Pirates make their move for exciting PSL striker?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
29 minutes ago
- The South African
How Orlando Pirates can beat Sundowns for the league
Orlando Pirates will once again battle Mamelodi Sundowns for the league. Image: @orlandopirates/X Orlando Pirates have finished as league runners-up to Mamelodi Sundowns four times in the past seven years. ADVERTISEMENT Last season, the Buccaneers led the Betway Premiership for the first seven rounds, but a few losses allowed Masandawana to take advantage. Despite a strong effort, the Sea Robbers lost crucial matches towards the end of the season, resulting in a 12-point deficit in the title race. As the new season approaches, many football fans expect Sundowns to claim their ninth straight league title. Their squad has appeared almost unbeatable, with only three losses and one draw last campaign. What can Orlando Pirates do to win the league? Consistency ADVERTISEMENT Pirates lost momentum in the second half of the season, which contributed to their failure to secure the title. Fans believe that if the Buccaneers had won all their matches in March and April, they could have pressured Sundowns into dropping points. Score Goals Both Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa failed to score 10 goals last season. In contrast, Sundowns' duo of Iqraam Rayners and Lucas Ribeiro each netted over 10 goals during the league campaign. Find a Good Striker ADVERTISEMENT For Orlando Pirates to win the league, they need a striker who can score 15 or more goals. Mabasa needs to find his form and start scoring regularly, as does Makgopa. If the strikers can score consistently, it would relieve some pressure from the wingers and midfielders. Creativity The Buccaneers have already signed attacking players, but they lack creativity in the midfield. Once they resolve their creativity issues, they may increase their chances not only of winning the league but also of competing effectively in the CAF Champions League. Can the Buccaneers win the league this coming season? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 ADVERTISEMENT Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
43 minutes ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates plotting R10 million offer for marquee signing
Orlando Pirates FC mean business this transfer window. The Buccaneers are desperate to close the gap between them and rivals Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite winning five cup trophies in the last three-years, Sundowns have eased to the league title pulling well ahead on each occasion. Now, in an attempt to win the Betway Premiership, Orlando Pirates are reinforcing their squad for next season! READ MORE • Why new Pirates signing wasn't announced by club! READ MORE • Eight NEW Kaizer Chiefs players to travel to Europe with Nabi! According to the latest transfer gossip, Orlando Pirates are preparing a blockbuster offer for Malian International Sadio Kanoute. The 28-year-old JS Kabylie star is a powerful central-midfielder. He previously turned out for the likes of Simba SC, Al Ahly Benghazi and Stade Malien. 'According to Africafoot , the Soweto giants are considering tabling an offer in the region of €500,000 (approximately R10 million) to lure Kanoute, who previously turned out for Simba SC in Tanzania,' a Soccer Laduma report citing AfricaFoot read. The Buccaneers have already announced eight new signings ahead of next season! Orlando Pirates welcomed Sipho Mbule, Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane and Sihle Nduli to the club this week. The Buccaneers will be competing in no less than five competitions next season! It's for this reason that they've introduced new reinforcements across the park. READ MORE • African giants open talks with Sundowns star! Do you believe the Malian international is worth R10 million? With his pedigree and experience, he could be vital for Orlando Pirates should they land him for next season! Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Date confirmed for 2026 L'Ormarins King's Plate at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth
The date has been announced for the Grade 1 2026 L'Ormarins King's Plate to be run at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth racecourse in Cape Town. Next year's L'Ormarins King's Plate, which will be the 165th since the first race in 1861, will take place on Saturday, 10 January. It will be held over 1 600m. This year's race was won by One Stripe, trained by Vaughan Marshall and ridden by Gavin Lerena. Tickets for the day will be available in November 2025. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
