FREE AGENTS! Orlando Pirates release Kaizer Chiefs-linked Thabiso Monyane & Mamelodi Sundowns product

Orlando Pirates have confirmed the departure of more players as the rebuilding and strengthening mission is set to begin in earnest for the 2025-26 Premier League season.

Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako are the players whose contracts will not be renewed and have consequently been released.

Mako is one of the Pirates' players who saw his playtime greatly affected as he always battled injuries.

The Mamelodi Sundowns product suffered a serious knee ligament injury in October 2023 while on international duty before he was declared fully fit to play again in September 2024.

Across that lengthy injury period, Mako missed 36 matches in all competitions for the Sea Robbers.

As Mako battled injury cases, Monyane, on the other hand, saw his playtime reduced because of the arrival of Deano van Rooyen from Stellenbosch FC. Bandile Shandu's presence meant that competition in that position was ever stiff.

He only played in 12 games in the 2024-25 campaign, and the expected arrival of Tshepo Mashiloane was set to complicate his situation even more at the club.

Monyane, who was promoted to the Pirates senior team in 2019, is linked with Kaizer Chiefs.

If Chiefs finally make a move and secure Monyane's services, Nasreddine Nabi's option will be boosted, given that Reeve Frosler and Dillon Solomons are the current right-backs.

At times, Zitha Kwinika has been used as a cover, especially when Frolser was not available.

Meanwhile, the departure of Mako and Monyane adds to the list of players whose contracts have not been extended by the club.

Just recently, midfielder Miguel Timm and captain Innocent Maela were released. Timm, 33; Maela, 32; and Mako, 31, were among the experienced players in the Pirates setup, and their release could indicate the club is going to keep their faith in younger players going forward.

Monyane's future is expected to attract more speculation given that he is linked with the Glamour Boys.

With his experience, Mako is also expected to attract interest from clubs in the PSL.

Meanwhile, Pirates' fans are keen to see who the other players are that are set to leave and, in return, who will be signed before the next campaign begins.