Orlando Pirates Shake-Up: Key Players Out, New Talent Arrives Amidst Exit Drama
Orlando Pirates have finalized several high-profile transfers, bringing in four new stars while waving goodbye to five players. Amidst these changes, former striker Tshegofatso Mabasa reflected on his eight-year journey with the club, his memorable goals, and the frustration surrounding his recent departure.
Orlando Pirates Football Club has been actively reshaping its squad with several significant ins and outs in the transfer market, as they prepare for their title defense. The club officially confirmed the acquisition of four new players: midfielder Mthetheleli Mthiyane from Stellenbosch FC, defender Sbangani Zulu from Richards Bay, and wide attackers Bohlale Ngwato and Ghampani Lungu, both arriving from Siwelele.
Simultaneously, the Buccaneers have bid farewell to five players whose contracts concluded. Among the departures are Bandile Shandu, Karim Kimvuidi, and Deivi Miguel Vieira (Gilberto). Notably, popular midfielder Sipho Mbule, who made 12 appearances without registering any goals or assists, left after just one year at the club following his move from Sundowns. Former Golden Boot winner Tshegofatso Mabasa also departed.
Former Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa, known affectionately as “Sniper,” recently spoke about his emotional departure from the club after an eight-year tenure. Currently a free agent, Mabasa spent the latter half of the previous season on loan at Stellenbosch FC, where he managed to score seven goals across all competitions despite limited playing time, underscoring his consistent quality in front of goal.
In an interview on Soccerbeat with Lebohang Mokoena, Mabasa expressed profound gratitude for his time with the Buccaneers and shared reflections on his most cherished moments. He leaves Orlando Pirates as the club’s second-highest goalscorer of all time, having netted an impressive 50 goals during his spell.
When asked to pinpoint his favorite goals in the iconic black and white jersey, Mabasa highlighted two strikes that hold special significance for him. “There are a lot of them, but if I were to choose my best goal for the club, it would be between two goals,” he explained. “The first one is the goal I scored against Hungry Lions when we went on to win the competition and eventually beat Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup final. The other one would be the volley I scored against Wits at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Unfortunately, we lost the game 4-3, but what a goal that was. I scored it with my weaker foot.”
Mabasa also shed light on the challenging period leading up to his loan move to Stellenbosch FC, admitting that the lack of communication regarding his future at the club caused him considerable frustration and uncertainty. He revealed that he was unused at Pirates before being loaned out, which made the situation mentally taxing. “It was a very confusing and difficult situation for me at that time. It was challenging mentally as well, but I had to stay ready because any day I could be given an opportunity to go out and play,” he stated. “Nothing was really communicated to me in terms of what the next step was. I just waited because I knew I still had a job to do, which was to play and help the team win games. It’s unfortunate that I didn’t hear anything. I wasn’t called regarding my future at the club.”