Orlando Pirates face player exodus with 10 contracts expiring

Orlando Pirates face some tough decisions at the end of the season with several players out of contract.

Orlando Pirates players with expiring contracts

33-year-old Kermit Erasmus is out of contract at the end of the campaign. ”Romeo’ joined the Buccaneers from Sundowns in September 2022 after feverish speculation linking him with a switch to Kaizer Chiefs. The seasoned striker has spent stints in France, Portugal and the Netherlands before settling back into South African football in 2019. It’s anyone’s bet where he could end up in 2024-25, but it’s unlikely he’ll still be a Buccaneer after a second stint with the Soweto Giants. Other senior players with expiring contracts are Hotto, Richard Ofori, Siyabonga Mpontshane, Thabang Monare and Fortune Makaringe. Meanwhile, Olisa Ndah, Sandile Mthethwa and Zakhele Lepasa also need to renew their terms otherwise they’ll leave for free. The club will try and make Thalente Mbatha’s loan move from SuperSport permanent. The central; midfielder has been impressive.

Namibian stalwart on his way out

Hotto, a star for Namibia at Afcon 2023, has been a rock-solid operator down the left-hand side of the Pirates team. Equally adept in defence or midfield, he’s a manager’s dream. At 33, however, his contract expires in June and is unlikely to be extended. The vastly-experienced star has 65 caps for his country. He’s also made 23 appearances in the DStv Premiership this season, not missing a single game, scoring a goal and supplying five assists. To say he’ll be difficult to replace is a gross understatement. In the meantime, you can be sure Hotto will give it his all to help Pirates secure second place in the league and one more piece of silverware in the Nedbank Cup.

Namibian Deon Hotto. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Bucs want to keep Dlamini

One player the board won’t be keen to lose is left-footed attacking midfielder Kabelo Dlamini. According to SoccerLaduma, Pirates have received interest in Kabelo Dlamini from Moroccan side Raja Casablanca. With his contract expiring in June 2024, the Buccaneers board are moving swiftly to extend his stay with the Sea Robbers. However, the interest from Morocco isn’t the only factor behind their desire to extend Dlamini’s terms. The player joined from Bloemfontein Celtic in 2019. After long spells out of the side this season, he’s back in the fold and scored in Pirates’ recent 4-2 Nedbank Cup quarter-final win over AmaZulu.

Sandile Mthethwa and Thabiso Sesane of Orlando Pirates celebrate. Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

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