Orlando Pirates FULL list of player departures
Monanpule Saleng, Mohau Nkota and Zakhele Lepads are three high-profile exits.
Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako have joined Kaizer Chiefs.
Orlando Pirates' R14 million outcast finally spotted
How Purates carelessly set fire to R50 million Innocent Maela
Miguel Timm
Paseka Mako
Thabiso Monyane
Ndabayithethwa Phillip Ndlondlo
Monnapule Saleng
Mohau Nkota
Zakhele Lepasa
Yanga Madiba
Thuso Molekeki
Azola Tshobeni
Karim Kimvuidi
Goodman Mosele
Abdoulaye Mariko
Details: Saleng returns to Orbit College
'Nkota is already a better player after leaving Pirates'
29-year-old Nkosinathi Sibisi will wear the captain's armband at Pirates in 2025-2026. He was a key figure last season alongside breakout star Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the heart of defence after Thabiso Sesane was struck down with a long-term injury. What happens when Sesane returns will be fascinating, as he might even dislodge the new captain. That's a nice problem for new boss Ouaddao to have, though. Sibisi made 42 appearances last season across all competitions, including 25 in the league. The Sea Robbers have started this season in awful shape, losing to Sekhukhune and Marumo Gallants.
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Cardoso refuses to get carried away after Mamelodi Sundowns' MTN8 draw
Miguel Cardoso will want to maintain calm after a 1-1 draw at Orlando Pirates, confident Mamelodi Sundowns can secure victory in the MTN8 semi-final second leg. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media MIGUEL CARDOSO was understandably not viewing Mamelodi Sundowns' 1-1 MTN8 semi-final first-leg draw at Orlando Pirates as an advantage in the way many coaches might have. In a competition where the away goal carries significant weight, the temptation would be to see the Brazilians as holding the upper hand. It could well have been that the Portuguese coach was stung by the manner in which his team allowed Pirates back into the game late on, with a defensive mistake that saw Kamogelo Sebelele cancel out Teboho Mokoena's headed opener. A clean sheet would have left him more confident ahead of Saturday's second-leg tie at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, though he knows Pirates always have a goal in them. Deep in the bowels of Orlando Stadium, as the thousands who had packed the historic arena made their way home content with the scoreline and entertained by the football on display, Cardoso himself appeared a satisfied man. 'This is a draw and it does not feel like a loss,' Cardoso said in response to a question about conceding so late. 'We would have liked to take the victory home, but if you ask any coach if he could take a 1-1 from here, he'd be okay. We are halfway. We would have loved to take the advantage until the end, but we did not.' He knows the second leg is likely to feature goals and appreciates the significance of scoring away at Pirates' ground. 'Scoring one goal away can make a difference, but just can. It depends on a lot of what's going to happen in the next match. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading "Of course, we know that if we keep Pirates without scoring, we go through. But we know that Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have the capacity to score goals in the second leg. These are two teams that usually score; it is difficult to stay at zero.' For that reason, Cardoso is not approaching the second leg with the aim of merely protecting their slight advantage. 'And if you think about not conceding, for sure you're going to concede. You need to play the next match to win because if you win, you are going to go through. That's the biggest advantage we've got – knowing that if we win the match at home, it is enough. "Of course, it is good that we scored – a slight advantage in that a zero-zero draw would give us an advantage. A 1-1 is not valid, and a 2-2 is against us.' Before welcoming Pirates on Saturday, Cardoso and his players have a short trip up to Polokwane, where Magesi FC await on Wednesday night. The Brazilians' coach insists there is no risk of losing focus on the cup tie. 'Look, every football team must always think first about the next match because every match has an impact on what's going to happen afterwards.' Chances are Magesi will hope Sundowns are rattled, having effectively gifted Pirates a draw when they looked likely to win at Orlando Stadium.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Tell-tale signs show Sundowns have lost their grip in the domestic arena after Pirates draw
Mamelodi Sundowns' Teboho Mokoena scores against Orlando Pirates during the MTN8 semi-finals, first-leg, at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Newspapers Image: Itumeleng English Independent Newspapers Comment The MTN8 semi-final first leg between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns certainly lived up to its billing, as a packed Orlando Stadium erupted in a thrilling contest that ended in a 1-all draw on Saturday. However, many analysts have labelled the match a "game of two halves," highlighting a shift in momentum that epitomised the contrasting fortunes of both clubs throughout the encounter. Historically, Sundowns have asserted their dominance in South African football with unmatched consistency, often winning the Premiership title by runaway margins in recent seasons. During this time, the campaigns had their fair share of turbulence, owing to various factors, including national team commitments and a demanding CAF Champions League schedule. These circumstances resulted in a team that, at times, appeared underprepared—a situation compounded by coaching changes and a lack of cohesion among players. In the lead-up to Saturday's match, Sundowns had displayed inconsistent form, starting strong with a 4-0 victory over Richards Bay, followed by a bewildering 1-1 draw against Chippa United, a side they were expected to dominate, casting shadows on their prowess. Although they managed a narrow victory against AmaZulu shortly after, concerns lingered about the team's overall performance and intent. The first half of Saturday's match saw Sundowns exerting control, dominating possession and creating multiple scoring opportunities. Yet, despite their aggressive approach, they could only find the net once. This underwhelming conversion rate ultimately proved costly as the match progressed, with Pirates growing more assertive. Notably, a late Pirates effort struck the woodwork, sparking roars of disappointment from the home crowd, who were on the brink of witnessing a dramatic turnaround. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading As the final whistle approached, it was clear that Sundowns had lost much of their earlier momentum, allowing Pirates to exert immense pressure in the closing stages. Analysts will likely scrutinise whether this decline signals deeper issues within the team. On Saturday, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso admitted a lapse in concentration had caused his team to lose focus in the second half. For some time, there have been whispers about Sundowns' reliance on star player Lucas Ribeiro, who has now left the club. Observers have repeatedly noted the absence of the Brazilian's impactful play, a factor that could have weakened Sundowns. In a move that speaks volumes about his forward-thinking approach, Cardoso has chosen not to dwell on what was lost but to focus on the promise of his squad's emerging talent. One player who has caught Cardoso's eye is Arthur Sales, another Brazilian who has shown consistent improvement with each match. Sales has started to bring invigorated energy to the squad, earning recognition among fans and pundits alike. Cardoso expressed satisfaction with Sales' evolving performances, noting that the player's adaptability is vital as the team navigates this challenging phase. As Sundowns look ahead to their next fixtures, both coaching staff and players are aware that maintaining focus and building on the positive aspects of their game will be crucial. With Cardoso at the helm, there remains a firm belief that this squad, bolstered by fresh talents like Sales, has what it takes to turn the tide and reclaim its status as a formidable force in South African football.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Gabriel calls for killer instinct as Richards Bay brace for Chiefs test
Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel has urged his side to convert possession into goals ahead of a tough trip to face in-form Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Backpagepix Richards Bay coach Ronnie Gabriel has urged his side to sharpen up in front of goal as they prepare for a daunting Betway Premiership clash against in-form Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium next Tuesday. The Natal Rich Boyz have endured a stuttering start to the campaign, losing their opening two fixtures against Marumo Gallants and Golden Arrows. While performances have shown promise, Gabriel is concerned by his team's inability to turn dominance into points. Speaking after their narrow defeat to Abafana Bes'thende, the co-coach lamented wasted opportunities. 'We have to be more ruthless in attack when we have our opponents against the wall, because just look at how the match ended,' Gabriel said. 'In terms of the synergy in the team, we feel the telepathy between some of the players, and we can see that we are playing a good brand of football, we just need to start punishing the opposition.'
