Orlando Pirates Close In On Ninth Signing as Mali Midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko Joins Pre-Season Camp

Orlando Pirates’ transfer activity shows no signs of slowing down as a ninth new arrival, Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko, has been spotted at the club’s training base ahead of their pre-season tour of Spain.

Following the official announcement of eight new signings last week, the Soweto giants seem to be adding even more depth to their squad. Pirates had already unveiled a strong list of domestic recruits including Yanela Mbuthuma and Nkosikhona Ndaba from Richards Bay FC, Masindi Nemtajela from Marumo Gallants, Tshepang Moremi from AmaZulu FC, and Bafana Bafana international Sinoxolo Kwayiba from Chippa United.

Also confirmed were Tshepo Mashiloane from Baroka FC, Sihle Nduli from Stellenbosch FC, and the marquee signing of Sipho Mbule, who is expected to bring creativity and flair to the midfield.

Now, recent footage from the club’s pre-season medical assessments has confirmed the presence of Mariko among the squad. The 23-year-old defensive midfielder is understood to have signed a two-year contract, with Pirates holding the option to extend his stay by a further year.

Mariko joins the Buccaneers with valuable CAF Champions League experience from his time at Djoliba AC, one of Mali’s top clubs and runners-up in the Ligue 1 Orange. His arrival will add steel and competition in the Pirates midfield, which already boasts seasoned campaigners like Makhehlene Makhaula, Goodman Mosele, Thalente Mbatha, and new signing Sipho Mbule.

With the club’s midfield now packed with options, head coach Jose Riveiro will have some interesting selection dilemmas when the 2025/26 season kicks off.

Before then, Pirates will jet off to Spain for their pre-season camp, where they are scheduled to play their first friendly against English side Bolton Wanderers on 11 July. Fans will be keen to see how the new signings, including Mariko, gel with the existing squad as the Buccaneers aim for silverware both domestically and on the continent in the coming season.