Orlando Pirates announce seven new signings

Already installed is new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou as a replacement for the departed Jose Riveiro, who left to join Egyptian side Al Ahly.

Sipho Mbule was the Buccaneers' first new signing, from Mamelodi Sundowns, but seven more players were confirmed on Thursday.

Joining Pirates are Tshepang Moremi from AmaZulu, Sihle Nduli from Stellenbosch, Chippa United's Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Marumo Gallants' Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepho Mashiloane from Baroka as well as Yanela Mbuthuma and Nkosikhona Ndaba from Richards Bay.

Part of a Pirates statement read: "The new crop of players will join their new teammates later this morning for Day 1 of preseason.

"The day will comprise of a series of medical and physical assessments, an essential step in ensuring every player is equipped for the rigours of the campaign ahead. Club doctors and performance staff will meticulously guide the players through baseline tests and evaluations which is vital not only for fitness tracking, but also for tailoring individual training plans.

"Following the tests – the new players will be taken through an induction process that all new players undergo.

"Transitioning to a club of Orlando Pirates' stature goes beyond the pitch. The new signings will have the opportunity to interact with some of the club legends such as Edward Motale, Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, and other legends. This coupled with a series of visits – which includes a trip to Soweto to visit a place that they will be calling home for the 2025/26 season – Orlando Stadium, the Meca of South African Football.

"While for the next two days, focus will be on integration and assessments, the real work begins next week, when head coach and his technical staff will take the reins for the formal start of the football side of pre-season."