Orlando Pirates will have to tap into the left-back market this window after losing two experienced players before next season.
Pirates will see both captain Innocent Maela and long-serving star Paseka Mako depart the club at the end of the June.
Pirates release both Maela and Mako
Maela, who saw his game time reduce more and more over the last two seasons, has a big decision to make. After saying goodbye to the Pirates fans on the field, he has reportedly been offered a role off it. The 33-year-old has yet to confirm whether he will take up that opportunity and hang up his boots, or continue playing elsewhere. Mako on the other hand, leaves the cub as a free agent and is reportedly Kaizer Chiefs-bound.
Mako is also a long-serving player at Pirates who joined the club as far back as 2018. During his time at the Buccaneers, he amassed 173 appearances, mainly from left-back. In the previous season he was Deon Hotto’s direct competition in that position, before making it his own after the Namibian moved into attack.
Have already signed replacement in Ndaba
The departures of both Maela and Mako open a huge gap at left-back for Pirates. In fact, even before these departures they were already linked to players in those positions. The likes of Fawaaz Basadien as well as Vuyo Letlapa. While one of those two can still be signed, the Sea Robbers are not waiting on those pursuits. According to goal.com RSA writer Austin Ditlhobolo, they have already signed Nkosikhona Ndaba from Richards Bay FC.
“Readymade Replacement for Innocent Maela & Paseka Mako;
22-year-old left-back Nkosikhona Jabulani Ndaba has played 40 matches as a professional footballer for Richards Bay & provided 2 assists in the process. He is one of Orlando Pirates’ new signings ahead of the 2025/26 season.” He wrote on his social media account.
Excited by this signing Buccaneers?
Pirates fans are you excited to welcome the 22-year-old Ndaba to your club ahead of next season? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
