Three Pirates stars whose futures are up in the air

With the season approaching the halfway stage and the January transfer window just weeks away, several players at Orlando Pirates could likely be facing the exit door.

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Souaibou Marou

The attacker joined The Buccaneers in January 2023 from Coton Sport with high expectations, being fresh off the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup where he was part of the Cameroon team.

However, his spell with the Sea Robbers has been underwhelming to say the least. The striker has made just two appearances for Pirates and struggled to impress.

Marou had been signed with the view that Pirates would enjoy an extended run in the CAF Champions League and the multiple competitions that Riveiro's would participate in. 

However, an early exit in the CAF Champions League in the second preliminary round and a quarterfinal exit in the Carling Knockout have complicated matters for Riveiro.

The Spanish coach is inundated with striking options in Zakhele Lepasa, who has scored 10 goals, Evidence Makgopa who scored has twice while Azola Matrose is edging closer to full recovery from an injury. 

At 23-years-old, Marou is in his prime and KickOff understands he is looking for more playing time either Pirates or elsewhere.

Siyabonga Mpontshane

The veteran goalkeeper joined the Buccaneers in 2015 and has somewhat served the club well as cover for Richard Ofori in recent years.

However, at 37, Mpontshane is at the tail end of his career and although the club renewed his contract for one more season, it appears unlikely that another year will be added.

Pirates have also beefed up their goalkeeping options ahead of Mpontshane's expected departure with Melusi Buthelezi having joined from TS Galaxy.

Mpontshane has not made a single appearance this season as likely to either sign a pre-contractual agreement with another club in January or see out the remaining months of what is expected to be his last few months at Pirates.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 29: Thabang Monare of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City FC at Orlando Stadium on August 29, 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Gallo Images (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

Thabang Monare

Monare has been one of Riveiro's most reliable players, making 17 appearances across all competitions this season and missing out on just three matches.

The ever-hard working central midfielder's contract ended last season before it was renewed for one more year.

This means Monare is approaching the final six months of his contract with the Buccaneers and while he is expected to stay beyond the January window, the 33-year-old may be tempted to sign a pre-contract to secure his future elsewhere.

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Additionally, Pirates boast a stacked midfield that includes Miguel Timm, Philip Ndlondlo and recently signed Sabelo Baloni, making Monare's exit all the more likely.

Other players whose contracts will enter the last six months are Richard Ofori, Bandile Shandu, Kermit Erasmus and Makhehlene Makhaula.

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