Shock loss of star NRB striker

Orlando Pirates snap up new Bafana signing from Richards Bay FC

June 19, 2025

Dave Savides 1 minute read

Yanela Mbuthuma Photo: Smindlo on Digital

Less than a month after announcing that star centre forward Yanela Mbuthuma had been secured on a long term contract, news broke today (Thursday) that the recent Bafana Bafana cap has been snapped up by Orlando Pirates.

The 23 year old has been the talk of the town with 6 goals in the past season in all competitions and showing vast improvement after rising from the Diski U23 ranks.

But fans will be extremely disappointed that the home-grown striker has joined the ranks of the Buccaneers, as he was seen to be part of the ‘young gun’ brigade for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.

One can only speculate that there was a lot of behind the scenes horse trading for players – not to mention a big cash incentive to sell.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: