Orlando Pirates are on the verge of ending Mamelodi Sundowns’ eight-year league dynasty, needing just two wins from their final fixtures against Durban City and Orbit College to clinch the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title. Central to this remarkable campaign has been the emergence of three young stars whose performances have attracted serious overseas interest. The Buccaneers, however, face the stark reality that success often comes with a price, as Lebone Seema, Oswin Appollis, and Relebohile Mofokeng are all expected to depart for clubs in Europe or the USA when the season concludes.
Oswin Appollis has been a revelation, delivering 12 goals and nine assists in 41 games, with his intelligent decision-making and precision drawing attention from abroad. Orlando Pirates have already rejected an offer from Chicago Fire for the 24-year-old winger, who has become a key attacking weapon for Bafana Bafana ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, centre-back Lebone Seema, 23, has shone in 26 matches with his rare combination of aerial strength and composure on the ball, chipping in with two crucial goals. His rapid rise from a fringe role at TS Galaxy to a regular starter underscores his adaptability and growth.
The brightest jewel in the crown remains 21-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng, who has notched 11 goals and nine assists in 33 appearances. Orlando Pirates have already turned down three overseas offers for the Sharpeville native, but links to AS Monaco, PSV Eindhoven, and Rangers persist. As the club prepares to celebrate a potential title triumph, the front office faces the pressing challenge of identifying replacements to sustain their newfound dominance. The coming transfer window will test their ability to rebuild while the trio’s exits loom large.