Orlando Pirates have officially named four senior players who are set to depart the club at the end of the 2024/25 season. The decision, which signals a significant reshuffle within the Buccaneers’ squad, sees club captain Innocent Maela, midfielder Phillip Ndlondlo, Congolese attacker Karim Kimvuidi, and striker Zakhele Lepasa all deemed surplus to requirements as the Soweto giants plot a new course for the upcoming campaign.
Innocent Maela
Innocent Maela’s impending exit marks the end of an era. A product of the Pirates’ youth system, Maela made his senior debut in 2017 and has since amassed 207 appearances for the club, scoring six goals and providing 12 assists. Renowned for his composure and leadership at left-back, Maela has been instrumental in the club’s recent successes, including two Nedbank Cups and four MTN8 titles.
However, with his contract expiring, Pirates have opted not to renew, instead offering him a non-playing role within the club-a move that likely signals his retirement from professional football. This season, Innocent Maela managed just over 280 minutes of game time, highlighting his reduced role in a side seeking fresh impetus.
Phillip Ndlondlo
Phillip Ndlondlo, who joined Pirates from Marumo Gallants at the start of the 2022/23 season, is also set to depart. The 29-year-old midfielder quickly established himself as a reliable presence in the engine room, helping the team to a cup triumph and a second-place league finish in his debut campaign.
Ndlondlo’s knack for performing in big matches was evident as he scored the winning goal in the 2020-21 Nedbank Cup final for Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila and featured in three consecutive Nedbank Cup finals with three different clubs. Despite his consistency, Ndlondlo has been earmarked as a makeweight in a potential transfer deal, with Pirates looking to use him to facilitate incoming signings and refresh their midfield options.
Karim Kimvuidi
Karim Kimvuidi arrived at Orlando Pirates in July 2023 following a standout season with Maritzburg United, but the 23-year-old Congolese attacker has struggled to replicate that form in Soweto. Kimvuidi made 26 appearances for Pirates, finding the net twice but failing to register an assist. His inability to cement a starting role and questions over his best position-whether as a number 10 or a winger-have hampered his progress. While his technical skill and flair are undoubted, Kimvuidi’s stagnation has led the club to consider his exit as they seek more consistent attacking output.
Zakhele Lepasa
Zakhele Lepasa’s journey with Orlando Pirates has been marked by moments of brilliance and frustration. The Soweto-born striker, who made his debut for the club in 2019, famously scored the winner in the 2019 Nedbank Cup final while on loan at TS Galaxy, earning Player of the Tournament honours.
Back at Pirates, Lepasa contributed to multiple cup victories, including three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups. However, injuries and inconsistency have limited his impact in recent seasons, and with the club looking to revamp their attacking options, Lepasa is set to move on after more than 50 appearances in black and white.