All eyes will be on Orlando Pirates as they kick off the defence of their MTN8 title against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium later this afternoon.
The Buccaneers enter today’s encounter fresh off a vibrant preseason, buoyed by the arrival of several promising new signings and a refreshed coaching setup. Supporters will have their first chance to witness these fresh faces and tactical changes in front of the passionate ‘Ghost’, who will pack out Esgodini, as Orlando Stadium is affectionately known, for this sold-out clash.
As anticipation reaches fever pitch, Orlandopiratesfc.com provides a quick guide to some of the club’s exciting new talent:
Lebone Seema (#33)
Signed from TS Galaxy. The 22-year-old right-footed centre back played 22 matches for his former club. Seema is a highly rated player whose energy promises to add dynamism and bite in the Bucs rearguard.
Nkosikhona Ndaba (#3)
Signed from Richards Bay, Nkosikhona Ndaba is a robust left back known for his strong tackles and positional awareness. A lifelong Bucs fan, Ndaba lists Thabo Matlaba among his favourite players and regards being part of the Soweto Giants as a dream opportunity.
Tshepho Mashiloane (#2)
Added among Pirates’ right-back stocks, Tshepho Mashiloane cut his teeth at well-known clubs such as Highlands Park and Baroka, rising through the ranks at the latter before making his senior debut. It was at the Limpopo-based outfit where the talented right-back caught the eye of the Bucs as he continued his upward trajectory.
With the ability to also slot in the centre of the defence, Mashiloane grew up idolising the equally versatile ex-Bucs skipper Happy Jele along with legendary Spanish defender Sergio Ramos.
Sipho Mbule (#23)
Master Chef as he is affectionately known, is no stranger to the football fans. From his time at SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns and recently Sekhukhune United – one thing that has been abundantly clear to see for all, is the quality that the 27-year old possesses.
Abdoulaye Mariko (#32)
The 21-year-old midfielder was recently signed from Malian club Djoliba FC. The Malian was scouted during his exploits for his club in the CAF Champions League last year – where they went as far as qualifying for the group stages albeit with a relatively young squad.
Mariko was recently named Malian Ligue 1 Player of the Season.
Sihle Nduli (#30)
Like Mbule, not much has to be said about this player that the Bucs fans don’t already know. Sihle Nduli is the consummate professional with over appearances to his name during his spells at TS Galaxy and Stellenbosch FC.
Masindi Nemtajela (#15)
Central midfielder Masindi Nemtajela began realising his football talent as a 10-year-old and developed his game at various amateur clubs before signing his first professional contract at Marumo Gallants.
The 2024/25 campaign was a huge breakthrough for the Venda-born star and his consistent showings were enough to earn him a move to Pirates in the subsequent transfer window.
Able to fill several roles in the midfield, Nemtajela brings some tactical flexibility to the Bucs squad plus a determination to grab what he terms a golden opportunity
Sinoxolo Kwayiba (#29)
Born in the Gqeberha township of Motherwell, the Bafana international was brought in to bolster Pirates’ midfield stocks ahead of the 2025/26 season following his rapid rise in the professional ranks. Versatile attacking talent who can operate effectively across the frontline, bringing unpredictability to the attack, Sinoxolo Kwayiba joined the club having had a stellar season with Chippa United.
Owsin Appollis (#12)
Football has taken Cape Town-born Oswin Appollis to various corners of South Africa including Soweto, where he is looking to establish himself as a key player while representing the Sea Robbers.
A product of Cape Town Spurs’ famous Ikamva Academy, the Bafana international also represented SuperSport United at youth level. He broke into the top flight after joining Polokwane City in 2023, establishing himself as a star performer before he was snapped up by the Buccaneers.
Kamogelo Sebelebele (#36)
Kamogelo Sebelebele joined the club after impressing in the 2024/25 season for his former club TS Galaxy. The 23-year-old has shown his versatility having played many positions at his former club both in defence and in attack.
Tshepang Moremi (#11)
The attacking midfielder’s introduction to senior professional football came in 2020 when he secured a move to AmaZulu, with KwaZulu-Natal becoming his home for over five years. His spell at Usuthu also consisted of loan spells at Bizana Pondo Chiefs and JDR Stars in South Africa’s lower leagues before broke into the Durban outfit’s first team.
After two impressive seasons in the top flight, Moremi became one of the most sought-after talents in local football circles. He eventually secured a move to the Buccaneers and regards the opportunity to make his mark at one of the country’s top clubs as a dream come true.
Yanela Mbuthuma (#9)
Mbuthuma joined the Natal Rich Boyz prior to their arrival in the Premiership and did not hesitate in establishing himself as a First-Team player. After three seasons in the top flight, he attracted several suitors with the Buccaneers eventually securing his services in June 2025.
He regards his move to the Soweto Giants as a dream come true and is set on continuing to develop his game.
With new stars set to shine and seasoned professionals prepared to guide them, the stage is perfectly set for the Buccaneers to start their MTN8 campaign on a high note.
Kick-off is at 15:00 – don’t miss out on the action.
