Orlando Pirates are reportedly moving swiftly to secure the long-term future of one of their most important players, central defender Nkosinathi Sibisi, amid growing interest from rival clubs. The 29-year-old has established himself as a key figure at the heart of the Pirates defence and has been a consistent performer under coach Jose Riveiro. According to multiple reports, the club is in the process of offering Sibisi a new contract to ensure his continued presence in the team for the foreseeable future.
Since joining Pirates, Sibisi has made an impressive impact, starting regularly in both domestic and continental competitions. This season alone, he has made 10 league appearances in the South African Premier Division, as well as seven appearances in the prestigious CAF Champions League. His solid performances at the back have made him an indispensable part of the squad. Across all competitions in the 2024-2025 season, Sibisi has featured in 20 matches, further cementing his status as one of the most reliable defenders in the PSL.
Pirates’ management is keen to reward Sibisi for his consistency and leadership qualities. His calm and composed defending, along with his ability to read the game, has made him a trusted figure in Riveiro’s defensive set-up. With his new contract expected to be finalized soon, the Pirates fanbase can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that one of their most crucial players will remain at the club.
In addition to Sibisi’s contract talks, Orlando Pirates are also looking to bolster their defensive options with the signing of Fawaaz Basadien, a player who has been making waves in the South African football scene. The 28-year-old left-back has been a key performer for Stellenbosch FC and is now in high demand following some exceptional performances this season.
Basadien has been one of the standout full-backs in the PSL this term, contributing two goals and two assists from 10 league appearances. His performances have not gone unnoticed, earning him national team recognition. Furthermore, in international club competitions, Basadien has made significant contributions, registering four goal involvements in just seven CAF Confederation Cup outings. His ability to both defend and provide an attacking threat down the left side has made him an invaluable asset for Stellies, and it’s no surprise that he is now attracting interest from top PSL clubs like Pirates.
Reports suggest that Pirates are in pole position to secure Basadien’s signature, and they are looking to strengthen their squad by adding a reliable left-back to their ranks. With Pirates struggling at times to find consistency in the full-back positions, Basadien’s addition could provide a welcome upgrade and additional depth to the team’s defensive options. His attacking threat, combined with his defensive solidity, makes him an ideal fit for Riveiro’s tactical setup, where the full-backs play an important role in both defending and pushing forward to create chances.
While Pirates are looking to bring in fresh talent, the future of one of their attacking stars, Monnapule Saleng, has become a hot topic of discussion among both Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs fans. Saleng, who has been a key figure in Pirates’ attack in recent seasons, has been mysteriously absent from recent training sessions and matchday squads. His absence has sparked rumors of a potential fallout with the club, though Pirates have stated that his absence is due to “private reasons.”
Despite being one of the standout players for Pirates in the 2023-2024 season, Saleng has struggled to maintain regular game time in the current campaign. He has appeared in only three games in the Betway Premiership this season, scoring two goals in that brief appearance. The winger’s sporadic involvement has led to speculation about his future at the club. Some reports suggest that Pirates are considering parting ways with the 26-year-old, who has drawn the attention of clubs both in South Africa and abroad.
Interestingly, Kaizer Chiefs fans have also weighed in on the matter, with some calling for their club to make a move for the talented winger. One fan even proposed a swap deal involving cash plus young midfielder Samkelo Zwane, which would see Saleng move to Naturena. However, with the likelihood of a major sale of Patrick Maswanganyi to European club UD Oliveirense for a reported R40 million, it seems improbable that Pirates would let Saleng leave at this stage.
The situation surrounding Saleng remains unclear, and his next move could depend on how negotiations unfold in the coming months. If Pirates are serious about challenging for domestic and continental honours this season, it’s unlikely they will sanction Saleng’s sale. However, with the potential for significant changes in the squad during the upcoming transfer windows, it remains to be seen whether Saleng will continue his career at Orlando Pirates or make a move to a new club.
Sibisi’s agent, Mike Makaab, recently confirmed that the player is happy at Pirates and is eager to continue his career at the club. “He works hard and takes every opportunity with both hands,” Makaab said, emphasizing Sibisi’s professionalism and dedication to the team. The central defender’s commitment to Pirates has made him a fan favourite, and his leadership at the back has been crucial in maintaining the team’s defensive solidity.
The news of Sibisi’s contract extension will undoubtedly bring a sense of stability to the club as they continue their push for success in both the PSL and CAF competitions. As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, the retention of a player like Sibisi is a vital step in ensuring that the team remains competitive. With the likes of Basadien and Saleng potentially joining or leaving the squad, Pirates will need to carefully manage their resources to ensure that they can challenge for the top honours this season.
In conclusion, while Orlando Pirates are focused on securing their key players, they are also exploring opportunities to strengthen their squad for the future. The potential acquisition of Fawaaz Basadien, along with the news of Nkosinathi Sibisi’s contract renewal, shows that the club is taking proactive steps to build a strong team that can compete on both the domestic and continental fronts. At the same time, the uncertainty surrounding Monnapule Saleng’s future remains a key storyline that could shape Pirates’ plans moving forward.
