Orlando Pirates bring Bheki Mabuza back as Daniel Msendami and Abdoulaye Mariko leave on loan

Orlando Pirates have confirmed a three-player deal with Marumo Gallants that will see Bheki Mabuza return to the Buccaneers, while Daniel Msendami and Abdoulaye Mariko move in the opposite direction on season-long loan agreements.

The latest squad changes were announced by Pirates as the two clubs completed another set of transactions involving their players.

Mabuza has joined Orlando Pirates on a permanent transfer after making an impression during his time with Marumo Gallants. The attacking midfielder previously represented the Buccaneers’ DStv Diski Challenge side before leaving the club.

He has since developed into one of Gallants’ more exciting players after joining them from Leruma United. His performances have now earned him a return to Pirates, where the club believes he is ready to continue his progress at the next stage of his career.

“Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached with Marumo Gallants for the permanent transfer of Bheki Mabuza,” Pirates stated.

“The move marks a return to familiar surroundings for Mabuza, who was previously part of the Buccaneers setup.

“During his time away from the Club, Mabuza made encouraging progress and impressed. His performances at Gallants convinced the Club that he is ready to return and take the next step in his career.

“Meanwhile, the club can also confirm that Daniel Msendami and Abdoulaye Mariko will move in the opposite direction, joining Marumo Gallants on season-long loan agreements.”

Msendami will return to Gallants after joining Pirates from the same club in January. His temporary move suggests he is not currently part of Orlando Pirates’ immediate plans, and he will now spend the season with the side he first joined after arriving in South Africa.

For Mariko, the loan move provides an opportunity for more regular playing time. The defender joined Pirates from Malian club Djoliba Athletic Club but has struggled to secure consistent minutes under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

The departures of Msendami and Mariko, alongside Mabuza’s permanent arrival, represent the latest adjustments to the Pirates squad. The clubs have therefore exchanged players in both directions, with Mabuza returning to the Buccaneers after his spell away and the two Pirates players joining Gallants for the season.

Mabuza’s move also brings him back into the Orlando Pirates setup after his development at the club’s DStv Diski Challenge level and his subsequent progress at Gallants. His displays for the latter convinced Pirates to bring him back on a permanent basis.

Msendami, meanwhile, will reunite with Gallants only months after leaving the club for Pirates, while Mariko begins a loan spell intended to provide the regular game time that has been difficult to secure in the Pirates squad.