Orlando Pirates have confirmed the exits of Sipho Mbule and Tshegofatso Mabasa, while announcing four new signings, including Mthetheli Mthiyane from Stellenbosch.
Mbule arrived at Pirates last season to much fanfare. However, he failed to live up to expectations, reportedly due to the same ill-discipline that was cited as the main reason he did not make the grade at his former club, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mbule’s off-the-field issues could be detrimental to a career that was once promised to reach dizzying heights. The Bethlehem-born midfielder had been widely regarded as one of the most tactically talented players in the local top-flight.
Mabasa, who is the Sea Robbers’ second all-time top goal scorer with 50 goals – just eight behind record-holder Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi – leaves the club after a frustrating six-month period following his loan spell at Stellenbosch.
Although Mabasa scored goals for Stellies, the fact that he had to watch Pirates win a major domestic title, the Betway Premiership, must not have sat well with him, given his contribution over the years.
Mbule and Mabasa leave the club alongside Bandile Shandu, Karim Kimvuidi, and Deivi Miguel Vieira (Gilberto) after the quintet’s contracts all come to an end.
Meanwhile, Pirates have moved swiftly to capture five new signings: Mthetheleli Mthiyane (Stellenbosch FC), Sbangani Zulu (Richards Bay), Bohale Ngwato (Siwelele FC), and Ghampani Lungu (Siwelele FC).
Of the new arrivals, Mthiyane is expected to generate the most attention. He had an impressive top-flight debut season with Stellenbosch after switching from Milford. He arrived at Pirates in a swap deal that will see Thabiso Lebitso moving in the opposite direction.
