OFFICIAL: Orlando Pirates unveil 9th signing

Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates have announced the signing of Thapelo Mokobodi from Stellenbosch FC ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

The 23-year-old midfielder arrives at Mayfair after spending one season with Stellies, where he made 28 appearances last term, having joined the club from Marumo Gallants.

He put pen to paper on a three-year deal that runs until June 2029, and is set to don the number 33 jersey, previously worn by reigning Defender of the Season Lebone Seema.

Notably, Mokobodi becomes the Soweto giants' ninth signing of the off-season transfer window, with Abdeslam Ouaddou's men looking to compete on all fronts next season.

“Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to confirm the signing of midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi from Stellenbosch FC, ahead of the new Betway Premiership campaign,” read the Bucs statement.

"The 23-year-old has signed a three-year contract and will link up with the rest of the squad this morning. Mokobodi has been handed the number 33 jersey for this season.

Mokobodi says he's raring to go in the famous shirt of Pirates: “I am pleased to be here and look forward to meeting the rest of the team. It's such a big opportunity to play for such a club and I am ready to get going,” he told the club's media team.

"I would like to make a meaningful contribution to this great institution.

Whether Mokobodi will swiftly stake his claim in the star-studded starting XI remains to be seen, amid fierce competition for a starting berth.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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