Orlando Pirates have secured the future of five of their key players ahead of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season.
Pirates have been busy in the transfer market, making several moves to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
The Buccaneers have extended the contracts of five key players: Vincent Pule (2025 + 1), Richard Ofori (2024 + 1), Thabang Monare (2024), Siyabonga Mpontshane (2024) and Ben Motswari (2024).
They have also signed four players so far: Sephelo Baloni (All Stars), Katlego Otladisa (Marumo Gallants), Melusi Buthelezi (TS Galaxy) and Patrick Maswanganyi (SuperSport United).
In addition, Pirates have terminated the contract of striker Collins Makgaka, who has struggled for game time at the club.
The contract extensions are a major boost for Pirates, as they retain the services of some of their most important players. Mpontshane and Ofori are reliable goalkeepers, Motshwari and Monare are solid defensive midfielders, and Pule is a creative midfielder.
LOANED OUT
On the other hand, Azola Tshobeni returns to JDR on a season-long loan and will play his football in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Boitumelo Radiopane, who had a decent season in the second tier, returns to Cape Town Spurs on a season-long loan. He will test his pedigree in the DStv Premiership next season.
Bongani Sam and Tshegofatso Mabasa are currently discussing with Swallows FC to finalise potential moves to the Dube Birds.
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Sam spent part of last season at Swallows, while Mabasa struggled for game time at Sekhukhune United.
Meanwhile, Azola Matrose and Thabiso Sesane are in camp with the Buccaneers in Rustenburg, where Jose Riveiro is assessing them.
Overall, Orlando Pirates have made some positive transfer moves in the off-season. They have retained some of their key players, added some depth to their squad, and terminated the contract of a player who was no longer needed. This should allow them to compete for trophies in the upcoming season.
Last season, they won the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup but were 16 points adrift of league winners Sundowns. They will be looking to challenge for the league title this time around.