ORLANDO PIRATES BIDS FAREWELL TO MTHETHWA, LOANS OUT OTLADISA

Written by: Kamogelo Mogale

Orlando Pirates have confirmed that they have parted ways with defender Sandile Mthethwa ahead of the January transfer window. It still also said both the player and the club decided to part ways amicable, which will then allow the player to join a club of his choice as he is now a free agent.

Mthethwa, who hails from Richards Bay, joined the Soweto Giants back in 2016, and has since went on to win three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cup titles with the black and white. He last played a competitive match for The Sea Robbers back in April when Pirates defeated MaMkhize’s Royal AM 4-0.

The 27 year old defender faced fierce competition in the centre back position with the likes of Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tapelo Xoli, Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane. While Xoki and Ndah remain sidelined due to injury, Mthethwa failed to break through into the starting line up, with coach Jose Riveiro preferred the pairing of Sibisi and Sesane.

“Both parties have agreed for the amicable separation to allow him to move to a club of his choice. At 27 years old Mthethwa is entering his prime and whilst the technical team wanted him to stay, the guarantee of regular football was not possible,” reads the club statement.

Meanwhile, the club has also confirmed that midfielder Katlego Otladosa has moved on loan to Limpopo based Sekhukhune United for the remainder 2024/25 season. Otladisa, who joined Pirates in 2023 after impressing at Marumo Gallants, has yet to feature for the Soweto giants this campaign.

This loan move to Babina Noko will provide Otladisa with an opportunity to regain his confidence. At Pirates, the 28 year old attacker has made only 12 appearances across all competitions, failing to register a goal or an assist to his name.