Buthelezi Departs Pirates
Orlando Pirates have confirmed the departure of goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Buthelezi joined the Soweto Giants from TS Galaxy ahead of the 2024/25 season, arriving to serve as the primary deputy to first-choice goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.
Over his two-season stint with the Buccaneers, the 28-year-old Nquthu-born shot-stopper made 22 appearances across all competitions, maintaining an impressive defensive record of 12 clean sheets.
While he pocketed several winners’ medals during a highly successful era for the club—including the Betway Premiership, the MTN8, the Nedbank Cup, and the Carling Knockout—Buthelezi found game time increasingly difficult to secure.
He failed to make a single league appearance last term as Chaine firmly cemented his place during the Sea Robbers’ historic treble-winning campaign.
Orlando Pirates confirmed the exit via an official club statement:
“The Club extends its sincere gratitude to Melusi Buthelezi for his professionalism, commitment, and contribution throughout his time with Orlando Pirates. We wish him every success in this next chapter of his career.”
Buthelezi’s next destination remains unconfirmed. Meanwhile, his departure leaves a critical vacancy in Abdelsam Ouaddou’s squad.
As it stands, the Buccaneers are without an experienced secondary senior option to back up Chaine, leaving the technical team with a crucial recruitment decision to make before the transfer window closes.
