Latest news with #DjolibaAC
The South African
an hour ago
- Sport
- The South African
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.
The South African
13 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Ancestor advice and new number six
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. View his images here. Orlando Pirates legend's words to Sipho Mbule Betway Premiership big guns Orlando Pirates signed Sipho Mbule rather unexpectedly. Junior Khanye has responded with an ernest message. Khanye: Kaizer Chiefs signed the wrong player According to reports, Mbule lost his place at Mamelodi Sundowns after he had reported for training under the influence of alcohol. His agent, Mike Makaab, soon offered Mbule to Kaizer Chiefs, but Amakhosi seemingly took too long to make a decision. 'Let me be honest, I'm surprised, and he is very lucky,' said Khanye on iDiski TV . 'But he must know one thing, this is a last chance he has now because we have seen players previously at the club who have had the same problems, and they got rid of them…. Full story here. 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
a day 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
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates latest signing puts Angolan star's future in doubt
Orlando Pirates have edged closer to announcing their ninth signing ahead of the 2025/2026 campaign, and it's a name that's already turning heads. Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko has touched down in Johannesburg, ready to join the squad's pre-season preparations. At just 23 years old, Mariko has already made a name for himself on the African football stage, with impressive performances for Djoliba AC in the CAF Champions League. His imminent arrival has not only excited fans but also raised eyebrows over what it means for Gilberto, the Angolan international who returned to Petro de Luanda on loan in January. According to a source, Pirates moved swiftly to fend off interest from rival clubs across the continent to land the highly rated central midfielder. 'The new guy is already in the country, and his announcement is imminent. He's expected to be part of the squad heading to Spain for pre-season,' confirmed a source. Mariko's inclusion in the travelling party heading to Spain next month. The fact that Pirates will face Bolton Wanderers, Pafos, Las Palmas, and Granada all but confirms that coach Abdeslam Ouaddou plans to include him in his setup. Gilberto joined Pirates last July but couldn't secure a regular starting spot, so the club sent him back on loan. His spot now looks increasingly under threat. 'It's not looking good for Gilberto. From what we understand, he could be one of the players placed on the release list,' revealed the source. 'He'll likely either move on permanently or go out on loan again. That's exactly why the club targeted Mariko, to potentially replace him in the available foreign slots.' The Soweto giants have already confirmed eight new arrivals this week. The likelihood of Gilberto remaining at the club appears slim. What will happen to Gilberto 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
4 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.
