Orlando Pirates have confirmed the signings of Goodman Mosele from Baroka FC as well as the former Maritzburg United duo of Kwanda Mngonyama and Bandile Shandu.
Little-known midfielder Monnapule Saleng has also been signed from Free State Stars on a three-year deal after finishing as the National First Division top goal-scorer last season.
Attacking midfielder Mosele joins the Buccaneers on a four-year deal, while Mngonyama and Shandu have signed for two and three years, respectively.
Two of the new acquisitions were already rumoured to be on their way to join the Buccaneers
The quartet have become coach Josef Zinnbauer’s first new signings ahead of the 2021/22 season.
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Mosele was already strongly linked with a move to Pirates after an impressive season with Baroka last term in which he missed just two Premier Soccer League games.
He will join his new Pirates teammates for pre-season when he returns from the Tokyo Olympic Games where he will be with the South Africa Under-23 side.
Shandu was also expected to join Pirates as some reports linked him with the Buccaneers when he left Maritzburg last week.
After making their first new signings, Pirates administrator Floyd Mbele says they have now entered into negotiations with players whose contracts expired on June 30.
Some of the platters include captain Happy Jele, goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands and striker Jean-Marc Makusu, whose loan deal from AS Vita gave Pirates the first option to buy.
“We met with the technical team last week and they have requested time to assess all the players, including those returning from loan before they can present their recommendations,” Mbele told the Pirates website.
“With respect to the players whose contracts have come to an end, contract negotiations are still ongoing. We are in advanced talks with their respective representatives and will make the necessary announcements in due course.”
Pirates regrouped for pre-season on Monday ahead of the new season in which they also return to the Caf Confederation Cup.
“Pre-season training starts today [Monday]. However, the players and technical staff returned last week,” added Mbele.
"As a club, it is important that prior to any resumption of training taking place, we need to ensure that the necessary medical tests are done.
"Covid testing has become the norm. All our players and staff members had to undergo testing.
"Obviously, this is not a once-off, as we are required as per the leagues’ return to play protocols, to continuously test and take the necessary precautions.”
