Orlando Pirates have released several senior figures this winter. However, one of those names came out of the blue, and fans aren’t happy.
Orlando Pirates let go of Sesane
26-year-old central defender Thabiso Sesane is no longer at the club. He was a mainstay in the first half of the 2024-25 campaign, but a serious injury in 2025-26 meant that he didn’t make a single league appearance in Pirates’ title-winning campaign. Have the board decided that Sesane won’t be able to get back to his best? Cristian Derbyshire is one of six new faces training with the Orlando Pirates first team. The 20-year-old central defender has impressed technical staff with his cultured left foot and physical presence.
Mofokeng headlines the big-name departures
In recent campaigns, several high-profile names have left the club. Mbekezeli Mbokazi is with the Chicago Fire in the USA, Mofokeng has joined Royal Union Saint-Gilloise, and Mohau Nkota made the switch to Saudi Arabia in July 2025. Riddled by injuries in the past 18 months, the unfortunate Sesane has been released. If you include him, that’s four key first-team regulars no longer in the picture.
Argentina battles England for a place in the World Cup final
After Spain strangled and suffocated France with their possession-style football, Luis De La Fuente’s European champions are waiting for La Albiceleste in Sunday’s final. Lionel Messi, in his first ever match against the Three Lions, assisted both of Argentina’s late goals to break English hearts in Atlanta.