Orlando Pirates are preparing an offseason exodus to close the gap to Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers, playing in front of a sold-out FNB Stadium, redeemed themselves against Miguel Cardoso’s side following their harrowing 4-1 defeat a month before. A Relebohile Mofokeng double in the opening five minutes proved enough to hold off the reigning champions.
With four games in hand, Pirates lie fifteen points behind the Brazilians.
Big names on the way out?
Jose Riveiro has yet to make a signing in 2025 following an eye-opening January transfer window, which entailed months of negotiations for nothing in return. Making matters worse was Kaizer Chiefs’ and Sundowns’ summer spending spree—neither struggled to lure talent amid an Orlando Pirates misfire.
The Soweto giants won’t make the same mistake this winter and are looking to free up space to assist. According to reports, the club is thinking of releasing four players.
“So far, the four players [Innocent Maela, Phillip Ndlondlo, Karim Kimvuidi and Zakhele Lepasa] are on the list and are expected to leave at the end of the season,” a source confirmed.
“What I can tell you for now, apparently, is that it’s believed these four players could be the ones to leave. The club is working with all the involved parties to look at the way forward so that they can reach an amicable solution where it is needed.”
Orlando Pirates are linked with several high-profile names heading into the offseason window, including Oswin Appollis, Jaedin Rhodes and Richards Bay attacker Yanela Mbuthuma.
Should Orlando Pirates let Karim Kimvuidi go?
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