Neo Mokoena leaves Orlando Pirates after mutual contract termination

Winger Neo Mokoena has left Orlando Pirates by mutual consent just over a year after signing a three-year first-team contract with the reigning PSL champions.

The 24-year-old, who progressed through Pirates’ DStv Diski Challenge side, has now become a free agent, his representatives P Management have confirmed as they begin the search for a new club on his behalf.

The decision brings an abrupt end to a spell that had been viewed within the club as full of promise, with Mokoena having been handed his senior deal ahead of the 2025/26 Premiership season.

From first-team hope to feeder team stint

Despite being elevated from the Buccaneers’ development ranks and touted as one for the future, Mokoena struggled to make a breakthrough into Pirates’ star-studded first team.

Late last year it emerged that the winger was turning out for Pirates’ feeder side in the ABC Motsepe League, underlining how far he had slipped from the senior picture after initially being rewarded with a long-term contract.

While the club had planned around his potential, first-team opportunities did not materialise, and both parties have now opted to end the relationship rather than allow him to remain on the fringes.

“Yes, we can confirm Neo is a free agent,” P Management said, adding that they have already started the process of securing his next move.

Replacement hopes that never materialised

Around a year ago, Mokoena had been identified as a possible successor to Moha Nkota, who departed the Buccaneers’ camp for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.

Nkota’s exit appeared to open a pathway for Mokoena to stake his claim in the attacking positions at Orlando Pirates, raising expectations that he could fill the void left by the player’s move to Saudi Arabia.

However, competition for places in a squad packed with attacking talent meant Mokoena did not receive the anticipated chance to step into that role at senior level.

Faced with limited prospects of regular game time, the winger ultimately chose to pursue opportunities elsewhere, with the two sides agreeing to part on amicable terms.

Future away from the PSL champions

Mokoena’s departure comes at a time when Orlando Pirates are working through a number of key squad decisions, with the club also recently undertaking a tour of Spain as part of their preparations.

For the player, leaving the Soweto giants marks the end of a chapter that promised much when he signed his three-year deal, but which failed to deliver a sustained run in the first team.

The focus for Mokoena and his representatives now turns to finding a new club where he can secure regular football and relaunch a career that began with such high expectations at one of South Africa’s biggest sides.