New signing reveals his regret after joining Orlando Pirates ahead of 2025/26 season - 'I would love to get a chance to play'

Baroka FC star Tshepho Mashiloane has opened up about his imminent move to Orlando Pirates.

While explaining what he is looking forward to achieving while with Bucs, the Ga-Mafefe, Limpopo-born player, would have loved to help Baroka secure promotion to the PSL before leaving the club.

Bakgakga ba Mphaphlele finished eighth in the NFD standings and they are set to lose Mashiloane to the Buccaneers.

“I would have loved to go to Orlando Pirates knowing that I have promoted my team [Baroka FC],” Mashiloane told journalists in KwaMashu, as quoted by FARPost.

“But I believe the guys will do well next season and promote the team. The chairman [Khurishi Mphahlele] has supported me and my move to Pirates and is happy," he added.

“I will have to up my game when I get there [to Pirates] so I can stay competitive. I would love to get a chance to play in the cup competitions like the Carling Knockout Cup, MTN8, and Nedbank Cup. But I understand I need to work hard to earn it. I want to achieve a lot of things at Pirates.”

Mashiloane was a key figure in the Baroka setup, as the versatile player featured in 29 matches across all competitions for the Limpopo club.

The 23-year-old, who can play as a right back and a defensive midfielder as well, was once linked with Sekhukhune United before the just-ended season began, but the deal did not go through.

Mashiloane's move to Pirates adds to the list of players who have crossed Bakgaga to Soweto, with Gift Motupa and Thabiso Kutumela the most notable players to make similar moves.

Meanwhile, Bucs will be keen to secure top-quality players in order to help them challenge for titles.

They failed to beat Mamelodi Sundowns to the league title and have finished second three times in a row, while their Caf Champions League journey ended in the semi-final.

His move to join the Sea Robbers means next season, he will operate in an environment with a lot of pressure and expectation.

Upon officially joining the Buccaneers, he will have to fight hard and make sure he breaks into the starting line-up regularly, and this will not be easy given the competition on the team.