Pirates could be set to release yet another player. Photo: Archives

Pirates have been busy in the ‘off-season’ once again. Photo: Archives

BREAKING: Pirates release TWO more players!

Pirates have continued a clear-out at the club, confirming in a statement on Thursday that two more players have been let go.

Pirates could be set to release yet another player. Photo: Archives

Pirates have been busy in the ‘off-season’ once again. Photo: Archives

On Thursday, Pirates stated that that midfielder Linda Mntambo has moved to Sekhukhune United after agreeing terms with the club, while also revealing the amicable parting of ways with Ntsikelelo Nyauza following a meeting between both parties on Wednesday.

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A Pirates statement read as follows:

Mntambo, who joined the club in 2018 having had spells at Jomo Cosmos and Chippa United, went on to register 71 appearances for the Buccaneers in all competitions, scoring 8 times and recording 6 assists.

The 33-year-old will be missed in the Bucs changeroom for the positive spirit that he bought in the squad. Although he leaves us as a player today, there is no doubt that he will return to his boyhood club one day to serve in a different capacity.

Meanwhile, Pirates can confirm the amicable parting of ways with Ntsikelelo Nyauza following a meeting between both parties on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old defender has been at the heart of the Bucs defence since joining in 2013. After captain Happy Jele, “Ntsiki” as he is affectionately known was the second most experienced player at the Club with 192 appearances under his belt, including 7 goals and 4 assists.

The club would like to thank both Mntambo and Nyauza for their contribution and professionalism they displayed during their time with us, and we wish them both all the best for the future.

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Meanwhile, on Monday, Pirates confirmed the signing of Evidence Makgopa, Bienvenu Eva Nga, Miguel Timm and Azola Matrose, but also revealed that the following players will not be part of the new season:

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–    Kwanda Mngonyama
–    Abel Mabaso

–    Justice Chabalala
–    Elson Sithole
–    Wayne Sandilands
–    Thabang Monare

A statement read as follows:

Sandilands’ contract comes to an end on June 30 and will not be renewed however, the club is currently in discussions with Management regarding another role at the Club. The club can also confirm that contractual discussions with Monare have collapsed as the two parties could not agree on terms. 

It’s also been reported by Soccer Laduma that Tshegofatso Mabasa – who has been at the club since 2019 – is set to leave as well, with a deal apparently made for him to head to Sekhukhune United.

“Tshegofatso Mabasa is moving to Sekhukhune United for the new season. It’s a deal that has been agreed to between Pirates and Sekhukhune and both clubs are happy with it. It’s a loan deal from what I understand,” said the source.

It comes as Bienvenu Eva Nga and Evidence Makgopa will be arriving at Pirates, with Mabasa perhaps now deemed as surplus to requirements

Meanwhile, there was said to be interest from both Kaizer Chiefs and Royal AM if Monare didn’t extend his contract.

It was recently reported by KickOff.com that several clubs are keeping a close eye on his contract situation, with Chiefs and Royal AM said to have made initial inquiries on his possible availability.

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Previously, Pirates beat out Chiefs to secure the 32-year-old’s signature, but with contract negotiations breaking down, he could also have options at AmaZulu or even Sundowns.

The Buccaneers were always expected to overhaul their squad following what was a disappointing 2021/22 campaign which saw them finish outside the top three. 

Shortly after the season wrapped up, Orlando Pirates parted ways with co-coach Fadlu Davids who had arrived at the club in 2019 to work with then coach Josef Zinnbauer.

Gabadinho Mhango and Thulani Hlatshwayo were the first two to leave Orlando Pirates with the former joining AmaZulu in a swap deal involving Tapelo Xoki.

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