Orlando Pirates Strengthen Squad with Key Signings Ahead of 2026/27 Season
Orlando Pirates have moved early and decisively ahead of the 2026/27 season, sealing three new signings while confirming a trio of departures in a clear statement of long-term planning at Mayfair.
Rapoo: Modern full-back for a modern Pirates
At the heart of the incoming business is 20-year-old left-back Neo Rapoo, snapped up from Siwelele FC.
A product of SuperSport United’s development structures and already capped at youth level for South Africa, Rapoo arrives with the profile every top club hunts: quick across the ground, technically polished, and brave enough to drive into attacking zones without neglecting his defensive duties. He fits the template of the modern full-back, as comfortable overlapping on the touchline as he is tucking inside to help build play.
For a Pirates side that has leaned heavily on its wide channels in recent seasons, Rapoo’s energy and upside mark him out as one of the more intriguing young additions to the squad.
Baliti adds depth – then heads straight back on loan
Joining him on the books is another defender from Siwelele, 24-year-old Aphiwe Baliti.
Listed primarily as a left-back but capable of operating on either flank, Baliti brings something coaches value deeply: flexibility. He has logged minutes in the domestic top-flight, carries the athletic profile to cope with high-tempo games, and offers cover across the back line.
Pirates, though, are playing the long game with him. Baliti will return to Siwelele FC on a season-long loan for the 2026/27 campaign, a move designed to keep him in regular first-team action while the Buccaneers monitor his progress. It is a familiar model: secure the talent, let him grow under less intense scrutiny, then reassess when he is battle-hardened.
Mmolai bolsters the engine room
The third arrival, central midfielder Matome Mmolai from Leicesterford City, strengthens the core of the side.
At 23, Mmolai already looks like a complete modern midfielder. Energetic, technically assured and comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, he offers value in multiple phases of play. He can knit together possession, link defence and attack, and still have the legs to press and recover.
With the new campaign approaching, his addition deepens Pirates’ midfield options and gives the coaching staff another profile to deploy in the centre of the pitch, whether in a double pivot or as part of a more fluid trio.
Khoto and Ndlozi depart, Mashiloane returns on loan
While fresh faces arrive, the club has also moved to trim and reshape the squad.
Orlando Pirates have confirmed that Gomolemo Khoto and Siyabonga Ndlozi have completed permanent transfers to Sekhukhune United. Both players now step into a new chapter at Babina Noko, where the opportunity for consistent minutes and greater responsibility awaits.
Right-back Tshepho Mashiloane will also return to Sekhukhune United on a season-long loan. The move keeps him in the Premier Soccer League environment and offers a clearer pathway to regular game time than the competition he would face in the Pirates back line.
Three in, three out. Youth, versatility, and technical quality through the door, balanced by exits that free space and minutes. For Pirates, this is not just housekeeping; it is the outline of a squad being carefully tuned for the demands of a new season and the battles still to come.
