Bucs legend assurances over Matuludi and Pirates
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Polokwane City defender Thabang Matuludi (right) is linked with a move to Orlando Pirates. Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
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Bucs legend assurances over Matuludi and Pirates
Aug 27, 2026 – 03:32 pm
By Siyabonga Ndlela
Even with the departures of Thabiso Lebitsoa and Deano Van Rooyen, Orlando Pirates are not as thin as they seem in the right-back position, a club legend has assured.
Pirates confirmed the exit of defender Deano Van Rooyen last week following conversations between the two parties that were birthed by a lack of regular minutes on the pitch for the fullback.
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He is the latest in a slide of right-backs that have left the club in recent times. The list includes Bandile Shandu, who has joined Durban City, and Thabiso Lebitso, now with Stellenbosch FC.
The scenario leaves Kamogelo Sebelebele as the only remaining primary right back, a prospect that has concerned supporters and fuelled calls for the immediate signing of Polokwane City’s Thabang Matuludi.
The Bafana Bafana international has long been llinked with a move to Rand Stadium as his future at Rise and Shine seems more uncertain by the day.
However, former Bucs striker Phumudzo Manenzhe believes the situation is not as desperate as it seems.
“Coming back to Orlando Pirates releasing the likes of Van Rooyen, Shandu, and Lebitso, I know that during the off-season we were busy with the World Cup and did not have much time to focus on the market.
“But, for me, watching Pirates play in pre-season in Spain, I saw [Ghampani] Lungu play at right-back in one or two games in Spain. I saw Sebebelele play as right back. I also saw [Sbangani] Zulu – who is versatile and signed as a centre-back – I saw him play right back.
“I have already counted three players that have played that position,” detailed Manenzhe.
The PSL transfer window slams shut on 22 September, with the club still expected to make one or two acquisitions before then.