How will Orlando Pirates replace Relebohile Mofokeng in the coming season?

Mofokeng’s exit will leave a big hole in terms of goals and assists, having managed a combined 20 in 36 appearances in the last campaign.

The Buccaneers still used him mostly off the left wing, though also as a central playmaker, meaning they are essentially looking to fill two roles with the loss of one player.

The first of those is perhaps easier. Oswin Appollis is a very accomplished left winger, assuming he sticks around for the 2026/27 campaign amid reported interest in his services.

He outdid Mofokeng with 21 goal contributions last season, 12 goals and nine assists in all competitions, albeit from 43 appearances.

Then there is Tshepang Moremi, who can also play on the left and, like Appollis, appear on the right wing too.

It is possible that one or both could also be adapted to a more central position, but that seems unlikely at this stage of their careers.

The exit of Sipho Mbule is another loss for that ‘10’ playmaking role in the squad and it seems certain Pirates will look to the transfer market for at least one addition.

Patrick Maswanganyi can do it, of course, but he tends to blow a little hot and cold, though this is a real chance for him to stamp his authority on the team.

Andre de Jong is also in the squad but not really the same sort of player as Mofokeng and would be used differently, while Kabelo Dlamini looks as though he could be moved on in this transfer window.

They have young Cemran Dansin in their squad and he showed his class with that wonder goal against Sundowns last season, but whether he is ready to carry the role on a full-time basis is debatable. Certainly, he looks a player with talent.

Thuso Moleleki has returned from a loan at Orbit College, but we wait to see what Pirates’ plans are for him.

There has been chatter that Pirates are trying to sign Siyanda Ndlovu from Lamontville Golden Arrows, though he is predominantly a right winger. That is not a deal that has been done yet, with plenty of interest in the player. But for now he looks their number one target.