Orlando Pirates announce three new arrivals and three exits as rebuild continues

Orlando Pirates announce three new arrivals and three exits as rebuild continues
Orlando Pirates announce three new arrivals and three exits as rebuild continuesOrlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates have announced the capture of three more players and the exit of another pair of stars as their rebuild ahead of the new season continues.

Left-backs Neo Rapoo and Aphiwe Baliti have been signed, though the latter will spend the season on loan at Siwelele, along with central midfielder Matome Mmolai.

Exiting the club are left winger Gomolemo Khoto and right-back Siyabonga Ndlozi, who have both joined Sekhukhune United, while right-back Tshepho Mashiloane will follow them to the Limpopo club on a season-long loan.

Here is a little more on the new arrivals:

Neo Rapoo

Rapoo, 20, is a product of the SuperSport United academy and joins from Siwelele after the sale of the club’s franchise to the Bloemfontein-based outfit at the start of last season.

He is an accomplished wing-back who enjoys getting forward and will be seen as the natural long-term replacement for Deon Hotto, who will be 36 in October.

Rapoo has made 50 appearances (41 starts) since his debut in the 2022/23 season and is yet to find the back of the net.

 

Aphiwe Baliti

Baliti, 24, also joins from Siwelele and although he has spent most of his time at left-back, can also play on the other side of the defence.

He will spend the 2026/27 season back on loan at Siwelele, so is viewed more as a player for the future.

Baliti has made 41 appearances (26 starts) since his debut in the 2023/24 season, having also come through the SuperSport system.

Matome Mmolai

Mmolai, 23, is a central midfielder who joins the Buccaneers from Leicesterford City.

He had previously spent time at Dondol Stars, JDR Stars and TS Galaxy, though he did not make a first-team appearance for the latter, so has no top-flight experience.

Mmolai has made 43 professional appearances (41 starts) since his debut in the 2024/25 season, all in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.