Latest news with #AbdoulayeMariko
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
DONE DEAL: Orlando Pirates sign NINTH player!
Orlando Pirates have just signed another player – their NINTH so far. Orlando Pirates are planning big changes. This new player has been spotted in training with the Bucs. Meanwhile, reports claim that he has just signed a deal with Pirates. Introducing, Abdoulaye Mariko from Mali. 'The 23-year-old is understood to have penned a two-year deal with Pirates, which includes an option to extend by a further year,' the insider stated on KickOff. Furthermore, as reported on The South African, he is currently training with the Bucs. Mariko joins EIGHT new players who have recently signed for Pirates. So, he joins Yanela Mbuthuma and Nkosikhona Ndaba from Richards Bay FC, Masindi Nemtajela (Marumo Gallants), Tshepang Moremi (Amazulu FC), Bafana Bafana international Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United). Neo Maema is the latest big-name Sundowns and Bafana Bafana star linked with Pirates. 'Yes, the club is believed to have made enquiries about Maema. Actually he was the first one even before Sipho Mbule. It has to be seen what will be the next move because apparently he still has one year on his contract with Sundowns. And Kaizer Chiefs are also believed to be interested in him,' the insider stated on SNL. Pirates are linked with several red-hot transfer targets from the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns, Bafana Bafana, international stars and PSL rivals. Pirates have appointed a new head coach in Abdeslam Ouaddou. Furthermore, the new Bucs coach is tasked with the responsibility of appointing a new Pirates captain. This is because former club captain Innocent Maela has left the club. He is one of FOUR Pirates player departures with Miguel Timm, Thabiso Monyane and Paeko Mako all leaving the Bucs. Meanwhile, FOUR more Pirates player departures are on the cards. Whilst, Pirates are closing in on their next new signing with these Bafana Bafana and Sundowns stars on their radar. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Pictures spotted: New African midfielder at Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates are not yet finished with player announcements. So far, the club has confirmed Sipho Mbule, Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane and Sihle Nduli. Coming up next is the 23-year-old Mali international central midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko from Djoliba AC, who has signed a two-year deal. Mariko, who is described as a workhorse in central midfield, was spotted doing his fitness and medical test at Orlando Pirates on Saturday. Pictures spotted: New Orlando Pirates superstar Abdoulaye Mariko doing his medical and test fitness. Image: orlandopirates/Instagram Revealed: New Chiefs star was wanted Sundowns and Pirates Abdoulaye Mariko does his medical test as a new Bucs player. Image: orlandopirates/Instagram Makhehleni Makhaula Thalente Mbatha Simphiwe Selepe Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo Goodman Mosele Selaelo Rasebotja Sipho Mbule Sihle Nduli Masindi Nemtajela Abdoulaye Mariko *Kabelo Dlamini plays most games as a 10. In the meantime, Ndlondlo is poised to join Chippa United before the new Betway Premiership season starts. 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.
The South African
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates beat North African giants to sign CAF star Mariko
Orlando Pirates have pulled off a major coup by securing the signature of highly-rated Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko from Djoliba AC ahead of the 2025/2026 season. The 23-year-old powerhouse will land in Johannesburg on Thursday to kickstart his Buccaneers journey during pre-season. Mariko has agreed a two-year contract with an option to extend, further bolstering Abdeslam Ouaddou's midfield options. Mariko, who featured in seven CAF Champions League matches for the 24-time Malian Première Division champions, attracted strong interest from top clubs in North Africa. But it's Pirates who emerged victorious in the transfer race. By adding Mariko to their roster, the Soweto giants continue to show intent ahead of the new campaign. 'We had offers from several clubs in North Africa but felt Pirates was the right project,' a source revealed. Mariko becomes the fourth midfield addition in the current transfer window, following the arrivals of Sipho Mbule, Sihle Nduli, and Masindi Nemtajela. The Sea Robbers have also brought in Tshepo Mashiloane, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Yanela Mbuthuma, and Tshepang Moremi. As they build depth across the park. His arrival underlines the club's clear strategy to refresh the squad and stay competitive across domestic and continental competitions. Mariko will undergo a routine medical upon his arrival, ahead of Pirates' pre-season tour to Spain next month. The club will face Bolton Wanderers, Pafos, Las Palmas, and Granada in a series of high-profile friendlies, offering the new signings an early opportunity to gel. Expect Mariko's signature to bring even more bite and balance to a Pirates midfield that's looking increasingly formidable. Will Mariko be a hit at Orlando Pirates? 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.
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates to sign Mariko?
Orlando Pirates are looking to bolster their central midfield options. The latest target hails from West African giants Mali. 23-year-old central midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko is the latest man who's caught the Sea Robbers' attention. The Djoliba AC schemer played seven times in last season's Champions League. Pirates make their move for exciting PSL striker? According to a report by UnplayableZA , Abdoulaye Mariko could be headed to Pirates next season. With experience in the Caf Champions League and Confederation Cup, he could be a shrewd acquisition for the Buccaneers. 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. Sipho Mbule has been officially unveiled, while it seems a matter of time before AmaZulu winger Tshepang Moremi becomes a Buccaneer: Is Moremi the new Segolela? 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. Why is nobody talking about Monnapule Saleng? Will Orlando Pirates challenge for the Betway Premiership title next season? 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.
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Picture: Signing number 10 for Orlando Pirates traveling to SA!
Orlando Pirates have already signed nine players ahead of the pre-season but could number 10 be incoming? Pirates will fly to Spain for a third time in a row and will have plenty of new faces aboard. On Tuesday they announced the signing of former Mamelodi Sundowns star Sipho Mbule. The playmaker joins Pirates as free agent after being released by the Brazilians. The eight others being Kabelo Kgositsile, Masindi Nemtajela, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Tshepo Mashiloane, Sihle Nduli, Tshepang Moremi , Sinoxolo Kwayiba and Yanela Mbuthuma. The Sea Robbers are set to begin their pre-season on the 7th of July and all of those players are expected to be there. While those players are signed and sealed Buccaneers, there is, however, reportedly an additional face who will join them. According to African football journalist Micky Jnr, Pirates are set to seal the deal for Malian star Abdoulaye Mariko! '🚨 Orlando Pirates are set to sign highly rated Djoliba AC midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko (20). 🇲🇱⚫⚪ The Malian star, who played 7 CAF Champions League games last season, was named Best Evolutionary Player at the recent Mali Football Awards. He departs for South Africa today. Big talent!' Wrote Micky Jnr on his official Instagram account. Later on, Micky subsequently provided an update of Mariko at the airport, ready to fly out to South Africa to complete the deal. If he does, he will be signing number TEN for Pirates. 'Abdoulaye Mariko spotted at the airport as he heads to South Africa to complete his move to Orlando Pirates.' Wrote Micky additionally. At just 20, there certainly seems to be bags of potential for Mariko and he could maximise it at Pirates should he sign. Buccaneers would you welcome this signing? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. 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.
