Mariko leaves Orlando Pirates for permanent Orbit College switch in PSL shake-up

Abdoulaye Mariko has left Orlando Pirates on a permanent basis to rejoin Orbit College FC, ending his brief and largely frustrating spell with the Soweto giants ahead of the 2026-27 Premier Soccer League season.

The Malian midfielder, 24, had been omitted from Pirates’ newly confirmed 41-man squad for the coming campaign, a decision that effectively signalled his departure from the Buccaneers.

Sources at Orbit College have since confirmed that Mariko has returned to the North West club, this time not on loan but on a full-time deal.

“Abby [Abdoulaye Mariko] is here. I think he rejoined the team last week and he’s joining permanently this time,” a source told KickOff.com. “What I know is that he has signed a new contract, but I am not sure for how long. but, he is not going back to Pirates.”

The move sees Mariko remain in the PSL structure, with Orbit College now preparing for life outside the top flight following last season’s relegation from the Betway Premiership.

Limited impact at Chippa United and Pirates

Mariko arrived at Orlando Pirates at the start of the 2025-26 campaign, joining the Sea Robbers alongside compatriot Abdoulaye Fousseyni Mariko.

However, unlike his namesake, he was immediately loaned out to Chippa United in search of regular minutes.

His time with the Chilli Boys was brief and unsuccessful in terms of game time. He managed just two appearances before being deregistered by the club in February, cutting short his stay in Gqeberha.

The midfielder then returned to Pirates hoping to force his way into contention, but found the path to the first team blocked by strong competition in a crowded, high-quality midfield department.

Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was ultimately not convinced enough to include him, and Mariko was not registered for league action by the Buccaneers for the remainder of that season.

Relegation battle with Orbit College

Seeking playing time and experience, Mariko was subsequently loaned to Orbit College FC as the North West side bolstered their squad for a fight against relegation.

Despite the reinforcement, the Mswenko Boys were unable to secure their Betway Premiership status and dropped out of the top flight at the end of the campaign.

Orbit College have now moved to retain Mariko on a permanent deal, banking on his PSL experience to strengthen their midfield as they aim for an immediate return to the Betway Premiership.

With Pirates confirming their squad for the new season on Thursday and Mariko’s name absent from the list, his permanent switch to Orbit College formally closes the chapter on his time with the Soweto club, while offering him a fresh start elsewhere in South African football.