VIDEO - Spotted! Orlando Pirates fend off interest from several clubs in North Africa as new signing & Mali international arrives at the Buccaneers

According to reports, the 23-year-old landed in Johannesburg on Thursday to join the Buccaneers for pre-season. The club is said to have beaten off stiff competition from across the continent to snap up the highly rated central midfielder. 

In a video shared on the club’s social media, Abdoulaye Mariko was seen linking up with his new teammates during pre-season medicals.

Mariko arrives at Pirates with valuable experience under his belt, having featured in CAF Champions League action for Malian side Djoliba. 

He becomes the Buccaneers’ fourth midfield addition in the current transfer window, joining Sipho Mbule, Sihle Nduli and Masindi Nemtajela. The Sea Robbers have also strengthened in other areas, bringing in Tshepo Mashiloane, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Yanela Mbuthuma, Sinoxolo Kwayiba and Tshepang Moremi as they gear up for the new season.

Mariko’s arrival marks another significant boost to the Orlando Pirates squad as they continue to strengthen ahead of the new season. 

Next month, the team will return to Spain to take on Bolton Wanderers, Pafos, Las Palmas, and Granada in a series of important pre-season fixtures.