The dust hasn't even settled yet at the Rand Stadium. If you've been following the PSL lately, you know that the mid-season break is rarely quiet for the Buccaneers, but this January window is something else entirely. Honestly, the mood around Orlando Pirates right now is a weird mix of "we're winning everything" and "wait, why is everyone leaving?"
We are currently sitting at January 17, 2026, and the team is up in Rustenburg for a mid-season camp. They aren't just there for the fresh air; they are trying to integrate a handful of new faces while the ghost of Monnapule Saleng’s departure still lingers in the Soweto air. It’s a lot to process for a fan base that has already tasted two trophies this season.
Why Today's News at Orlando Pirates FC Changes the Title Race
Look, Pirates are top of the Betway Premiership table. That’s the fact. With 28 points from 12 games, they are holding off Mamelodi Sundowns by a narrow two-point margin. But being top in January is a dangerous place to be if you get complacent.
The biggest shocker—the thing everyone is texting their cousins about today—is the departure of Monnapule Saleng to Mamelodi Sundowns. Yeah, you read that right. The man who was essentially the heartbeat of the Pirates' attack for the last few seasons has swapped the black and white for the yellow of the Brazilians. People are calling it a "betrayal," but in modern football, money and career moves are just part of the grind.
To fill that massive, Saleng-shaped hole, the front office has been busy. The arrival of Andre de Jong from Stellenbosch FC is a serious statement. He’s 29, he’s a New Zealand international heading to the 2026 World Cup, and he knows how to find the back of the net. He scored 19 goals during his time at Stellies. Is he a direct replacement for Saleng’s flair? Maybe not. But he brings a clinical edge that could be the difference in those tight 1-0 games that define title runs.
The New Faces in the Dressing Room
It wasn't just De Jong who walked through the door this week. Pirates also raided Marumo Gallants for Daniel Msendami and Mpho Chabatsane.
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Msendami is an interesting one. He’s got that raw pace that makes defenders back off, which is exactly what the Pirates' system needs to stretch the pitch. Chabatsane, on the other hand, is more of a technician. Former Pirates legend Edward "Magents" Motale recently came out saying Chabatsane shouldn't worry about the Saleng comparisons and just focus on his own game. He's right. If these guys try to be Saleng, they'll fail. They need to be themselves.
The Injury Room: Some Light at the Tunnel
While the transfer market is a circus, the medical room is finally offering some good news. Selaelo 'Iniesta' Rasebotja has been vocal today about his recovery. He’s been out since May after a nasty ACL tear.
Imagine being 24 years old and having your career put on hold for eight months. He’s back in full training in Rustenburg now. He mentioned that the club’s medical team basically kept him sane during the dark days of rehab. Having a player of his vision back in the midfield for the second half of the season is like a new signing in itself.
However, it’s not all sunshine. Thabiso Sesane is still a long-term absentee with that Achilles rupture from early last year. The depth is being tested, especially with the former captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi recently moving to the Chicago Fire in MLS for a massive fee. Pirates are essentially rebuilding their defensive leadership on the fly while trying to win a quadruple.
What the Numbers Say
If you're a stats person, the "Once Always" crew has plenty to be happy about:
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- 18 goals scored in the league so far—not the highest, but efficient.
- Only 5 goals conceded—this is the real reason they are top of the log.
- 9 wins from 12 matches—a win rate that makes Sundowns nervous.
The team has already bagged the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout. They are halfway to a historic quadruple. The Nedbank Cup and the Premiership are the remaining targets. It’s a mountain to climb, but the momentum is undeniable.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Saleng Move
I’ve seen a lot of fans saying Pirates have "given up" the league by letting Saleng go to their direct rivals. Honestly? That’s a bit dramatic.
Football is a business. Saleng wanted the move, and Pirates got a decent fee for a player whose contract was entering a tricky phase. By bringing in De Jong and the Gallants duo, they've actually diversified their attack. Under the current coaching setup (which has stabilized after the departure of Jose Riveiro to Europe), the system is becoming more important than the individual.
Survival of the Fittest in Rustenburg
The camp in Rustenburg isn't a holiday. The reports coming out of the North West province suggest high-intensity double sessions. They are preparing for the restart against Sekhukhune United on January 24.
Sekhukhune are currently third. They are no pushovers. If Pirates go into that game with "holiday legs," they’ll get punished. The focus in training has reportedly been on defensive transitions—basically making sure they don't get caught out now that Mbokazi’s veteran presence is gone from the backline.
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Practical Insights for the Coming Weeks
If you’re a betting person or just a die-hard supporter trying to plan your February, keep these things in mind.
First, watch the first 20 minutes of the Sekhukhune game. It will tell you everything you need to know about how De Jong fits into the front three. If he’s dropping deep to link play, it means Pirates are moving toward a more possession-heavy style rather than the counter-attacking chaos of the Saleng era.
Second, don't expect the Marumo Gallants signings to start immediately. They are depth players. The core of the team—the guys who won the Carling Knockout—will likely keep their spots for now.
Third, keep an eye on the "Mbokazi replacement" rumors. Even though they've signed players, there’s still a feeling that one more specialist center-back might arrive before the window slams shut. Olisa Ndah is doing a massive job, but he needs a consistent partner.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Mark your calendar for January 24th. The Sekhukhune match is the litmus test for this "New Look" Pirates.
- Monitor the fitness of Rasebotja. If he gets 15-20 minutes off the bench next week, it’s a huge win for the squad’s tactical flexibility.
- Ignore the social media noise about Saleng. Focus on the league table. As long as Pirates stay two points ahead of Sundowns, the "business" side of the transfers doesn't matter.
The league title hasn't been to Orlando in a long time. The next four months will determine if this January gamble was a stroke of genius or a massive oversight.