Pirates Shake-Up: Five Stars Exit Club, Including Sipho Mbule!

Orlando Pirates have officially confirmed the departure of five senior players as the club streamlines its squad in preparation for the upcoming season. This decision comes as four new players have arrived, balancing the team's composition.

Among the confirmed departures is midfielder Sipho Mbule, who spent one season with the Buccaneers. During his tenure, Mbule featured in 23 matches across all competitions, scoring one goal. Nicknamed “The Master Chef,” he quickly endeared himself to fans after arriving in Mayfair and played a key role during the early stages of the season. His impressive performances even earned him a recall to the Bafana Bafana squad, where he contributed to securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and participated in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. However, reports suggest that off-field issues affected his standing within the squad in recent months, leading to reduced game time and ultimately his departure from the club.

In addition to Mbule, Orlando Pirates also announced that Bandile Shandu, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Karim Kimvuidi, and Deivi Miguel Vieira, also known as Gilberto, would be leaving the club upon the conclusion of their respective contracts.

In an official statement, the club expressed its appreciation for their service: “Each of the players departs having contributed to the Orlando Pirates journey in their own way, and the Club would like to place on record its appreciation for their service during their time with the Buccaneers. Orlando Pirates Football Club thanks Bandile, Sipho, Tshegofatso, Karim and Gilberto for their service and wishes them all the best in the next chapters of their respective careers.”

In related news concerning the club's talent, Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng is expected to play a pivotal role for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The national team is set to commence its campaign against Mexico in the tournament opener on Thursday, June 11. This grand occasion will be hosted at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, a venue famously associated with Diego Maradona’s 'Hand of God' goal in 1986 against England. Historically, these two nations also contested the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, which marked the first time the showpiece event was held on African soil.