Orlando Pirates Secure Trio of Young Talents for 2026/27 Season

Orlando Pirates have moved early and decisively in the market, securing a trio of highly rated youngsters as they sharpen their squad for the 2026/27 campaign.

The Buccaneers have confirmed the arrivals of Neo Rapoo, Aphiwe Baliti and Matome Mmolai, a recruitment drive that blends positional need with long-term planning and a clear commitment to South African talent.

Rapoo: Modern Full-Back for a Modern Pirates

At just 20, Neo Rapoo arrives with the profile of a full-back built for today’s game. Signed from Siwelele FC, the left-back cut his teeth in the respected development structures of SuperSport United and has already worn South Africa’s colours at youth level.

He is quick, aggressive in the duel, and comfortable stepping high into attacking zones. Pirates are not just buying a defender; they are betting on a player who can stretch the pitch, recycle possession with composure, and still recover to lock down his flank. Energy, technical quality, and clear upside — Rapoo ticks every box of a long-term project who can impact the present.

Baliti: Versatility Parked for Later

Also arriving from Siwelele is 24-year-old defender Aphiwe Baliti, though his impact in black and white will be delayed.

Primarily a left-back, Baliti’s ability to operate on either side of the defence gives coaches the kind of flexibility that shapes matchday squads and tactical tweaks. He brings top-flight experience, athleticism, and the know-how that comes from already handling the demands of domestic football.

For now, though, Pirates are playing the long game. Baliti will immediately return to Siwelele on a season-long loan for 2026/27, a move designed to keep him in regular first-team football while the Buccaneers monitor his progress. It is a classic stash-and-develop move: secure the asset, let him grow, then reassess when he is sharper and more seasoned.

Mmolai: Engine and Elegance in the Middle

The reshaping of the squad continues in midfield, where 23-year-old Matome Mmolai joins from Leicesterford City.

Mmolai brings an energetic, technically polished presence in the centre of the park. Comfortable on the ball and capable of influencing different phases of play, he offers the kind of all-round profile that modern midfields demand. He can link play, press, and keep possession ticking — the connective tissue that often decides tight games.

His arrival deepens Pirates’ options in the middle ahead of a demanding new campaign, giving the technical team fresh combinations to explore and a different rhythm to call upon when matches start to swing.

Outgoings: Pathways and Fresh Starts

Squad building always has another side, and Pirates have confirmed a set of departures as the reshuffle takes shape.

Gomolemo Khoto and Siyabonga Ndlozi have both completed permanent moves to Sekhukhune United, drawing a clear line under their time in Orlando and opening a new chapter at Babina Noko. For players at that stage of their careers, consistent minutes matter more than squad status, and Sekhukhune offers exactly that opportunity.

Right-back Tshepho Mashiloane will also head back to Babina Noko on a season-long loan, a move that keeps him in the Premier Soccer League environment while Pirates track his development from a distance.

Three arrivals, three exits, and a loan plan already mapped out. Orlando Pirates are not just collecting players; they are curating a squad. The real question now is how quickly this new blend of youth, versatility and technical edge can translate into results when the 2026/27 season finally kicks off.