Pirates feast on gift of club debutants

Orlando Pirates will take pride in what their crop of new boys have delivered so far this season as they head off to the latest FIFA international dates.

Pirates have a long list of players featuring in their first season at the club after being recruited from elsewhere or recruited from within.

It is new kids on the block galore.

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The two best performing players on Saturday – Mpho Padime and Gamphani Lungu – are negotiating their first seasons at Pirates.

Padime has done his job with a calm demeanour bordering on the kind of confidence needed in football.

For Lungu, he is already established in the PSL after eight years at SuperSport United/Siwelele but is in his first at Pirates.

Then there is Thapelo Mokobodi whose midfield grit is being followed by Pitso Mosimane.

Sbangani Zulu is already feeling the loud roars of appreciation from the stands every time he gets his feet on the ball at the back.

He hasn’t even played 10 for the Bucs.

Simphiwe Masilela is growing fast into the rhythm and demands of being an offensive midfielder.

Kabelo Kgositsile has shown glimpses of being capable of exploding into a gem especially with his pace and skills on the wing.

He is playing his first season at Pirates after spending the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Baroka.

Matome Mmolai has been slow off the blocks but those that frequently watched at his previous clubs are salivating at what he will offer Pirates once he gets his chance.

He has been likened to Themba Zwane. 

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For a central midfielder who keeps it tidy, Mthetheleli Mthiyane does that job according to the script.

He now needs to live up to his nickname – Vieira – the former France midfield bully.

Neo Rapoo has a sweet left foot, and his chances will come with time considering the competition on that flank just like Bohlale Ngwato has only been given a taste but has to wait despite the glowing reviews attached to his name for what he did while at Siwelele FC.

Norwegian striker Sebastien Pederson hasn’t set the scene alight but deserves the benefit of doubt after switching from Scandinavia to Southern Africa.

Photo: Alche Greeff/Gallo Images

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Betway Premiership Gamphani Lungu Mpho Padime Orlando Pirates Thapelo Mokobodi