Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo has offered seasoned advice to the club’s new players, emphasizing that their lives will change profoundly as they join such a significant institution.

Ahead of the 2025/26 season, Pirates have bolstered their squad with several new faces: Yanela Mbuthuma and Nkosikhona Ndaba (both from Richards Bay), Masindi Nemtajela (Marumo Gallants), Tshepang Moremi (AmaZulu), Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United), Tshepo Mashiloane (Baroka), Sihle Nduli (Stellenbosch), and Sipho Mbule (Mamelodi Sundowns).

In addition to these signings, Pirates have also appointed a new coach, Abdelsam Ouaddou, who replaces Jose Riveiro.

Mhlongo was part of the induction team welcoming these new players, alongside club legends like Tebogo Moloi, Edward Motale, and former captains Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, and Innocent Maela.

“Orlando Pirates is a huge institution, so it is always important to pass on the baton to the next players so that they understand the culture of the team,” said Mhlongo. “So that they understand where they are going to, understand the expectations.”

Mhlongo clarified his role in this process: “My role when it comes to Pirates, apart from the production side, I have got nothing to do with the footballing side. My role is the mentorship program, making sure that I share my experiences in terms of life experiences, my injuries, the trouble that I went through, depression and so forth. I come in to help the players to settle in so that they understand the demands of being associated with the team.”

There are notable questions surrounding Sipho Mbule, who couldn’t complete his loan spell with Sekhukhune United from Sundowns due to off-field issues last season.

His loan was terminated, and upon his return to Sundowns, his contract was not renewed.

Mhlongo, who faced his own share of public scrutiny during his playing days at Pirates, added, “When you are part of a big institution like that, your life changes and those changes come with a lot of things, with lots of burdens, lots of blessings – it is just a matter of how you handle that. My role is to also provide the tools, to offer advice to say, ‘These are the things that might happen and if you feel like you might get overwhelmed, you can always come back for advice’. It is just to open that door to wish them luck to do well for the team.”

These new players are expected to join the squad for their pre-season tour to Spain, where they will play four matches between July 11 and 19.

Mhlongo was speaking in Durban on Tuesday during the Engen Knockout Challenge draw that will be played in Kloof on Thursday and Friday.