Baroka Boss Explains What Guides Player Sales Amid Orlando Pirates Links

Baroka FC chairman Khurishi Mphahlele has set the record straight regarding his club’s frequent transfers to Orlando Pirates, insisting that deals are driven by fair offers and the players’ best interests—not preference.

Recent years have seen a number of Bakgakga’s top talents making high-profile switches to the Soweto giants, fueling speculation that Baroka favour doing business with the Buccaneers. However, Mphahlele has refuted claims that Pirates receive special treatment when it comes to signing his players.

“My relationship with Pirates is very good. It started a long, long time ago when I was still playing football. I played for the club that was managed by Dr Khoza in Alexandra,” Mphahlele told Sowetan Live, referencing his personal connection with Orlando Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza.

Despite this history, the Baroka boss made it clear that player sales are guided by professional standards. “It’s not true that I give first preference to Pirates or that I sell only to them. I sold two players to Stellenbosch in the past few months—goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke and midfielder Khomotjo Lekoloane. Those players were wanted by other clubs, but it’s always about good offers and what’s good for the players,” he said.

Mphahlele emphasized that while his relationship with Khoza is rooted in football history, it does not influence how Baroka conduct transfers. “The team that Irvin managed was Alexander Blackpool. I played there between 1983 and 1984 in the Zambuk League, so the relationship started there,” he explained.

Over the years, Baroka have been a fertile ground for talent, with several players making the jump to top-tier clubs. Gift Motupa, Thabiso Kutumela, Donald Makondelela, Goodman Mosele, and Evidence Makgopa all moved to Pirates after shining at Baroka. Most recently, right-back Tshepo Mashiloane and winger Kabelo Kgositsile also joined the Buccaneers, although Kgositsile is expected to remain at Baroka on loan.

With Orlando Pirates currently on a pre-season tour in Spain and preparing to face Granada on Saturday, their recruitment drive ahead of the 2025/26 season continues to make headlines. The Soweto club has already confirmed 11 new signings in an aggressive bid to challenge for silverware across all competitions.

As Baroka continue to develop some of the country’s most promising talent, Mphahlele’s remarks underscore a commitment to transparency and player welfare—no matter which club comes calling.