Foot Africa
·30 June 2025
Orlando Pirates are on the verge of finalising the signing of their ninth player for next season

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Yahoo sportsFoot Africa
·30 June 2025
It looks like the party is far from over at Orlando Pirates and more names are about to officially join the party.
Orlando Pirates are on the verge of finalising the signing of their ninth player for next season
According to press reports, Orlando Pirates have already signed number 9 for next season as part of the club's plan to strengthen the squad for the upcoming season.
The Sea Robbers are making waves in the transfer market yet again, confirming their ninth new signing of the season as Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko puts pen to paper on a two-year deal with an option for a further year.
The 23-year-old, already spotted training with the squad, arrives as part of Pirates’ aggressive rebuild under new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Mariko now joins a growing list of fresh faces at Mayfair, including:
Pirates aren’t done yet! Reports suggest they’re eyeing Neo Maema, the Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana playmaker, as their next marquee signing. However, they face stiff competition from Kaizer Chiefs, with Maema still under contract at Sundowns for another year.
With the departure of longtime captain Innocent Maela—alongside Miguel Timm, Thabiso Monyane, and Paeko Mako—Pirates are ushering in a new leadership era. Ouaddou is set to name a new skipper soon, while four more exits could follow as the club refines its squad.