EXCLUSIVE: Former Orlando Pirates star signs for Soweto rivals 

Orlando Pirates announced the departures of six players at the start of the previous month, and one of those players has gone on to sign for their Soweto rivals! 

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Pirates announced the signings of Melusi Buthelezi, Sephelo Baloni, Katlego Otladisa, Patrick Maswanganyi, Lesedi Kapinga and Karim Kimvuidi. 

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Adding to that list are players the club did not make formal announcements of, which are Cebo Mchunu, a 21-year-old midfielder they signed from Bizana Pondo in the ABC Motsepe League as well as Siseko Maseko . That was not their only purchase from the third division, however, as Dondol Stars confirmed they have released goalkeeper Siphamandla Gumede to Pirates on Monday. Both players are believed to be on the loan list, with the Buccaneers management looking to park them at either a club in the DStv Premiership or the Motsepe Foundation Championship for next season. 

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Making way for those new recruits at Pirates were the likes of Ntsako Makhubela, Craig Martin, Nkanyiso Zungu, Ndumiso Mabena, Kopano Thuntsane and Collins Makgaka. Martin has already signed for Chippa United, while Zungu played for Royal AM in the recent KZN Premier’s Cup, where he continues in his efforts to impress the coach. Mabena is thought to be on the radar of Polokwane City while Makgaka is thought to be close to joining Stellenbosch FC. Another player added to that list was Goodman Mosele, who has recently been announced by Chippa United on a loan deal. 

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Now another player recently released by Pirates is believed to be close to joining a new club, and that is Makhubela. Last week, this publication reported that Moroka Swallows had invited the player for trials and now a source close to the player has revealed to The South African News that the skilful player has officially signed on the dotted line. 

Makhubela signs for Swallows after leaving Pirates

“Makhubela to Swallows is now a done deal, Steve Komphela played a big part in the move, he really vouched for him to the board and management. They then saw what he has to offer from up close and they were very impressed with him.” Said the source.

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Swallows have been on an impressive recruitment drive starting with Komphela himself, before the likes of Andile Jali, Dumisani Zuma and now Makhubela. Another Pirates star in striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has also put pen to paper with an official announcement expected soon, as exclusively reported by this website.