Lerumo Lions unveil 12 signings including Orlando Pirates youngster Mfanelo Khumalo

Motsepe Foundation Championship club Lerumo Lions have announced 12 new signings for the 2026-27 season, including young centre-back Mfanelo Khumalo from Orlando Pirates.

The North West-based side confirmed the arrivals through head coach Tshepo Maphari, who revealed the club’s recruitment plans while speaking to Soccer Laduma. Maphari said the players listed represented only part of the club’s new additions and that a formal unveiling would follow next week.

“These are a few of our signings. We will unveil them properly next week with a photo shoot,” he said.

Lerumo Lions have recruited in several areas of the squad, with Brazilian winger Victor Santoro among the most notable additions. Santoro has joined the club on a free transfer, as previously reported by the publication.

The club have also strengthened their goalkeeping options by signing Ivorian goalkeeper Donald Bougo and bringing in Bongani Nkone from Hungry Lions.

At right-back, Lerumo Lions have added Odwa Nyulu, who arrives from Durban City. They have also signed left-footed centre-back Mnelisi Mbhele from Milford FC.

The defensive additions continue with Khumalo, who has moved from Orlando Pirates, while Nkosi Simelane has joined from Polokwane City and Tumisang Mashele has arrived from Highbury FC.

The club’s midfield recruitment includes central midfielder Sizwe Sithole, signed from Upington City. Aya Sibuta has also joined from Cape Town Spurs, while Dimakatso Mashao has been recruited from Marumo Gallants.

Although Lerumo Lions have described the group as 12 new signings, the announcement names 11 players: Santoro, Bougo, Nkone, Nyulu, Mbhele, Khumalo, Simelane, Mashele, Sithole, Sibuta and Mashao. The club said the full group would be presented during next week’s photo shoot.

Lerumo Lions began their campaign with an away match against Venda FC on Friday, as the club started preparations for the new Motsepe Foundation Championship season.

The move to bring in Khumalo adds a young defender from one of South Africa’s best-known clubs to the Lerumo Lions squad. The remaining additions include players recruited from clubs across the domestic game, with the new arrivals covering goalkeeping, defence and midfield.

The formal presentation of the signings is expected to provide the club with an opportunity to introduce the complete squad assembled for the 2026-27 campaign.