Mbekile has become the latest player to part ways with Stellies, having only made 21 appearances across all competitions since joining the club as a free agent in February last year.

“The club would like to thank Asavela Mbekile for his year’s service and wish him all the best for his future. Go well shoozie!” Stellenbosch said in a statement.

The club would like to thank Asavela Mbekile for his years service and wish him all the best for his future.

Go well shoozie!#StellenboschFC #ProudlyStellenbosch 🍇 pic.twitter.com/Zv5H31wCOZ

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) July 6, 2021

Meanwhile, Stellies also confirmed that the club’s reserve team goalkeeper, Constandino Christodoulou, will leave the club after he received a scholarship in New Hampshire, USA.

“The club is proud to announce that SFC Reserves GK Constandino Christodoulou has received a full soccer and academic scholarship at the Ivy League research university, Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, USA,” Stellies stated.

The club is proud to announce that SFC Reserves GK Constandino Christodoulou has received a full soccer and academic scholarship at the Ivy League research university, Dartmouth College @dartmouth in New Hampshire, USA. #StellenboschFC #ProudlyStellenbosch 🍇#MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/Cf0oagS1j1

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) July 5, 2021

Mbekile and Christodoulou now join the likes of Azeemud-deen Brenner, Kristopher Bergman and Phathutshedzo Nange in leaving the club ahead of the new season.

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The 33-year-old joined Pirates in July 2018 from rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and despite initially starting well at the club, The defender has struggled for game time this season and with an already bloated squad at the Soweto giants, they decided to left the player leave the club.

The club announced the news via a statement on their website which read, ‘Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm the amicable parting of ways with Asavela Mbekile following a meeting between both parties earlier today.’

☠ Bucs and Mbekile Part Ways
🖥 https://t.co/vq4YUr0vH1
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/wF7Yry5cSs

— Orlando Pirates FC (@orlandopirates) January 30, 2020

‘He, who joined the club in 2018 has been handed his clearance after asking to be released from his current contract.

‘The Club would like to thank Asavela for his contribution and particularly the professionalism he displayed during his time with us and we wish him all of the best in his future endeavors,’ the statement concluded.

The defender will now be searching for a new club as he looks to enjoy the latter years of his professional career.

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The Buccaneers are set to face Zambian side Green Eagles in the first leg of the preliminary round on Saturday before returning to South Africa for the second leg on 23 August.

The likes of defenders Justice Chabalala and Brian Hlongwa‚ as well as midfielder Linda Mntambo and striker Thabiso Monyane have all been left out of Milutin Sredojevic’s Champions League squad.

Should Pirates get through the preliminary round they will take on the winner between Angolan champions 1° de Agosto and KMKM from Zanzibar in the next round.

The Buccaneers have registered a total of 28 players for their two upcoming preliminary matches.

Goalkeepers

Joris Delle, Siyabonga Mpontshane, Wayne Sandilands.

Defenders

Asavela Mbekile, Happy Jele, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Bongani Sam, Innocent Maela, Alfred Ndengane, Mthokozisi Dube, Paseka Mako.

Midfielders

Thembinkosi Lorch, Ben Motshwari, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Vincent Pule, Luvuyo Memela, Abel Mabaso, Musa Nyatama, Fortune Makaringe, Kabelo Dlamini, Xola Mlambo, Tebogo Tlolane.

Forwards

Gabadinho Mhango, Justin Shonga, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Augustine Mulenga, Zakhele Lepasa, Austin Muwowo.

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Brilliant Khuzwayo leads the list of players who face an uncertain future at the club after he was omitted from the Buccaneers squad list for the new season.

Another notable omissions are Austin Muwo, who recently joined the club from Nkana FC, Pule Maraisa, after signing a three-year contract with the Soweto giants, Augustine Mahlonoko and Tercious Malepe.

Meanwhile, Ntsikelelo Nyauza has moved from No 2 to No 5 while defensive midfielder Ben Motshwari has downgraded from No 20 to No 6.

As for the club’s new signing, Gabadinho Mhango has been allocated the No 7 jersey, Siphesihle Ndlovu 8, Fortune Makaringe 15, Bongani Sam 19, Kabelo Dlamini 8 and Tshegofatso Mabasa 16.

The Orlando Pirates 31-man squad in full:

Goalkeepers

1 Joris Delle, 30 Wayne Sandilands, 40 Siyabonga Mpontshane

Defenders

2 Asavela Mbekile, 4 Happy Jele, 5 Ntsikelelo Nyauza, 44 Abel Mabaso, 19 Bongani Sam, 23 Innocent Maela, 24 Tebogo Tlolane, 27 Alfred Ndengane, 28 Mthokozisi Dube, 33 Justice Chabalala, 35 Brian Hlongwa

Midfielders

3 Thembinkosi Lorch, 6 Ben Motshwari, 8 Siphesihle Ndlovu, 11 Luvuyo Memela, 14 Musa Nyatama, 15 Fortune Makaringe, 18 Kabelo Dlamini, 20 Xola Mlambo, 29 Paseka Mako, 32 Linda Mntambo, 45 Vincent Pule

Strikers

7 Gabadinho Mhango, 12 Justin Shonga, 16 Tshegofatsho Mabasa, 17 Augustine Mulenga, 25 Zakhele Lepasa, 34 Thabiso Monyane.

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Amakhosi went into the clash wanting to avenge their 2-1 loss to their arch-rivals in the Absa Premiership match a month earlier.

Giovanni Solinas made two changes to the side that lost against their competitors, with George Maluleka and Lebogang Manyama being handed starting berths ahead of Siphelele Ntshangase and Bernard Parker.

Milutin Sredojevic made three changes to his lineup that beat Chiefs, with Asavela Mbekile, Thabiso Kutumela and Musa Nyatama being given the nod ahead of Abbubaker Mobara, Augustine Mulenga and Ben Mothswari.

The game got off to a fierce start with both sides getting stuck into every challenge in the opening stanza.

Pirates took the lead in the 13th minute after defender Mario Booysen misjudged the flight of the ball, allowing Vincent Pule to set Thembinkosi Lorch up for the opener in a swift, brilliant attacking move.

Chiefs drew level in the 18th minute when a ball over the top by Khama Billiat wasn’t properly dealt with by Happy Jele and Siyabonga Mpontshane, which allowed Leonardo Castro to sneak in between them to slot home, much against the run of play.

Pirates looked more threatening in the final third, with Booysen enduring a shocker. Pirates duo Lorch and Pule almost combined to good effect with minutes left in the first half, however the latter’s half-volley failed to threaten Itumeleng Khune.

The two sides went into the half-time break with the scoreline deadlocked at 1-1.

Pirates emerged as the more dominant team in the second stanza, while Chiefs were content with playing on the counter-attack.

Pule came close to restoring Pirates’ lead just after the hour mark, but Justin Shonga failed to get on to the end of the Bafana Bafana international’s ball into the area after he left Godfrey Walusimbi for dead.

Both sides opted for their first changes of the game in the 68th minute as Parker replaced Manyama, while Mulenga came on for Kutumela.

Chiefs had their best opportunity of the first half when a neat interchange of passes between Dumisani Zuma and Khama Billiat saw the latter find some space in the area. However, the Zimbabwean opted to cross when a shot seemed a more viable option.

Shonga grabbed the winner in the 84th minute when he latched on to the end of Mulenga’s cross into the area.

Chiefs had the easiest of opportunities to level the scoring five minutes later, however Booysen’s header went over the crossbar.

Photo: Pirates twitter account

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Following an excellent debut season under the watchful eye of Milutin Sredojevic and Rulani Mokwena, the Sea Robbers will look to build on the momentum which saw them narrowly finish as runners up to Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2017-18 campaign.

ALSO READ: Sundowns confirm Maboe signing

They, will, however find the going tough against The Lions of the North who dismantled their opponents in the National First Division on their way to securing promotion to the PSL – a year after initially going under.

ALSO READ: 5 players Chiefs could do with (Part 1)

Pirates were the more active of the two teams in the transfer market, having unveiled nine new players, which include Brilliant Khuzwayo, Vincent Pule, Ben Motshwari, Meshack Maphangule, Asavela Mbekile, Linda Mntambo, Paseka Mako and Kudakwashe Mahachi respectively.

ALSO READ: Who wouldn’t want Benni as a coach?

Sredojevic’s side embarked on a pre-season tour to Zambia in a bid to aclimatise to conditions that his side will face for their CAF Champions League journey in the new season.

Although the trip to Southern Africa was done primarily to ready the team for their African exploits, Micho made it known in no unmcertain terms that his team are ready to vie for honours in the new campaign.

ALSO READ: Solinas, Chiefs need to hit ground running

‘We feel like fish out of the during the pre-season. The Absa Premiership competition is our water and we’re ready to swim,’ he told the media at a press conference.

Da Gama’s side also dipped into the transfer market, acuiring twelve new players for the new season, which include veteran defender Bevan Fransman from Maritzburg United.

ALSO READ: Sundowns duo to miss Chiefs clash

Despite acknowledging the threat that Pirates possess, Da Gama revealed that an opening PSL encounter against a team of Pirates’ magntiude isn’t such a terrible thing, citing his team’s need to raise their game.

‘Orlando Pirates were a fantastic team last season,’ he said in a press conference.

ALSO READ: Why I joined Chiefs instead of going overseas – Billiat

‘They ended second in the league, and you know at one stage with a bit of luck they would have won the league you know. So they are a fantastic team, and when you come into the PSL you want to play against the best.

‘And I will tell you why, because they raise your game. They allow you to go to another level. It’s the best possible start that we could have,’ he concluded.

ALSO READ: Billiat, Shabba to face Sundowns

Pirates will be without the services of Khuzwayo, Thabo Qalinge and Thembinkosi Lorch due to injury, while new signing Mabaso serves a suspension after being red carded in the final match of the season for Chippa United. The same story applies to Highlands midfielder Mothobi Mvala.

The two sides clash at the Orlando Stadium on 4 August with kickoff set for 8:15pm.

Photo: Orlando Pirates’ official twitter account

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Festival as the player is affectionately known largely featured as a substitute in his 21 appearances during the 2017-18 campaign, having played second fiddle to the likes of Innocent Maela and Mthokozisi Dube.

ALSO READ: 5 Pirates players who could face the axe (part 1)

The Soweto giants are in the process of trimming their squad, having recently parted ways with Brighton Mhlongo, Ayanda Gcaba, Riyaad Norodien and Marc van Heerden.

‘Everything is up to Pirates, but I am sure that he will stay at Pirates next season,’ Rasimphi was quoted as saying by Isolezwe.

The arrival of nine new players, which include Brilliant Khuzwayo, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Asavela Mbekile, Linda Mntambo, Paseka Mako, Vincent Pule, Meshack Maphangule and Ben Motshwari has cast doubt into Matlaba’s future at the club.

ALSO READ: 5 Pirates players who could face the axe (part 2)

The former Bafana Bafana international, however, revealed that he has no knowledge of rumours doing the rounds as he continues his pre-season preparation with Pirates.

‘I am currently training with the team as we are in Mpumalanga,’ he told goal.

‘I don’t know about me leaving Pirates and I don’t know where the reports come from because I’m still a Pirates player and I’m dedicated to the team.

‘I will continue to fight for the jersey and give my all, I cannot talk about reports that I do not see eye-to-eye with the technical team because I don’t know it.

ALSO READ: Jali set for biggest challenge of his career

‘What I want to clarify is that they are our coaches and I respect them very much.

‘As we prepare for a new season here, I want to work hard to please them so they can bring me back and play,’ he concluded.

ALSO READ: Jali owes Pirates fans an explaination – Mngomeni

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The Soweto giants bolstered their squad with nine new signings, which include more central-midfielders in the likes of Ben Motshwari, Meshack Maphangule, Asavela Mbekile, Linda Mntambo and Abel Mabaso.

ALSO READ: Pirates sign nine new players

Nsimbi as the former tough-as-nails defenderris known gave his brother a word of advice regarding the stiff competition he currently faces at the club.

“I had a lengthy chat with my younger brother, Thami,” he told media at a football tournament in his village in Dondotha

ALSO READ: Pirates players headed for exit door (part 1)

“I always tell him that Pirates is a big team. If you are given the chance, grab it with both hands.

“You must make use of every opportunity that comes your way. Your performance will speak for you at Pirates. It is also important not to pay attention to critics.

“You must always tell yourself that if I’m give an opportunity, I will always deliver. Whatever comes after that must be secondary,” Sangweni explained as he offered advice to his younger brother.

“It is going to be even more tougher for Thamsanqa as Pirates added players like Mabaso and Mbekile who are also operating as central midfielders.

ALSO READ: Pirates players headed for exit door (part 2)

“Competition is everywhere. He knows what he needs to do. They mustn’t compare him to myself and he shouldn’t succumb to that pressure because he will find himself in a spot of bother.

“He must be Thami. In football we will never be the same. He is Thami, I’m Siya and (Lucky) Lekgwathi is Lekgwathi,” he concluded.

ALSO READ: Sangweni urges Pirates to sign Tyson

Photo: Gallo Images

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Ayanda Nkosi:

The 25-year old forward was snapped up by Pirates from Free State Stars prior to the start of their worst-ever season, the unforgettable 2016-17 campaign.

Upon signing a three-year-deal with the club, he stated his ambition to be the club’s top-scorer for two consecutive seasons, however with only 12 appearances and one goal under his belt (mostly as a substitute) Nkosi wasn’t given the opportunity fulfil his promise.

Looking at the current set-up at Pirates, the hierachy doesn’t favour Nkosi, with Augustine Mulenga, Justin Shonga, Thamsanqa Gabuza and young Lyle Foster getting the nod ahead of him.

ALSO READ: Cisse, Senegal – A story for the ages

Thabo Matlaba:

Much like fellow teammate, Mpho Makola, the discussion regarding whether Pirates should retain the former Free State Stars defender’s services is a hotly-contested one.

On his day, there is no denying his quality, we’ve bared witness to this countless times for Bafana Bafana and Pirates in the past, but based on performances over the last two seasons or so – one cannot deny that there has been a serious decline in his influence in the squad.

He is a member of the Bucs old guard, who infamously won back-to-back trebles, so he has a wealth of experience, but does he have a role in the new set-up?

ALSO READ: Pirates release Van Heerden

Statistically speaking, the 2017-18 season was “Festival’s” worst at the club (21 matches played, one goal scored and one assist), his previous worst being the 2014-15 campaign, where he amassed the same amount of games, but registered more assists (2) and scored more goals (3).

The most definitive factor behind Matlaba’s exit from Pirates would be his role, or lack thereof in the new side.

His versatility would no doubt help his cause, however he faces stiff competition all over the park, whether it be at centre-back, centre-mid or left-back.

ALSO READ: Sundowns snap up Jali

Issa Sarr:

The Senegalese defensive-midfielder played a total of six games under coach Milutin Sredojevic last season, mostly appearing as a second-half substitute.

When coach Micho was chopping-and-changing midfielder’s to partner alongside Musa Nyatama during the early stages of their 2017-18 campaign, Sarr was hardly called upon, so it would come as no surprise if the former Chippa United man were to leave.

ALSO READ: Chiefs confirm Billiat signing

Bernard Morrison:

Based purely on his work-ethic and the fact that he brings a different attacking dimension to Pirates from the wings, he could actually remain part of the squad, however in the same breathe, his ability to blow hot and cold could be the deciding factor.

Last season, he showed moments of brilliance as seen when he almost single-handedly downed Ajax Cape Town in the Nedbank Cup, however inconsistency remains his biggest problem.

ALSO READ: Pitso, Sundowns – A match made in heaven

Thamsanqa Sangweni

The former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder arrived with much expectance and fanfare from Chippa United at the start of the 2017-2018 campaign, however he struggled to cement his spot at Pirates making only three league appearances since his arrival at the Parktown based outfit.

Last season coach Micho alluded to Sangweni’s absence from the matchday squads stating that the former Ajax Cape Town midfielder needed to work harder to win a place in the teams starting XI.

Pirates are spoilt for choice in the engine room where Sangweni operates and having bolstered their squad with the additions of more central-midfielders in Asavela Mbekile, Abel Mabaso and Ben Motshwari – if Sangweni’s doesn’t shape up at Pirates during pre-season, expect him to be shipped out of the Pirates camp.

ALSO READ: Jali set for the biggest challenge of his career

Photo:Backpagepix

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The Buccaneers have ended speculations surrounding a number of players by announcing their new arrivals on the club’s official website.

Pirates released the following statement on the matter, which reads: ‘Orlando Pirates Football Club is delighted to announce the signings of Brilliant Khuzwayo, Vincent Pule, Ben Motshwari, Meshack Maphangule, Asavela Mbekile, Linda Mntambo, Abel Mabaso, Paseka Mako and Kudakwashe Mahachi.

‘More details on the signings will be made available closer to the start of pre-season.

‘The nine players will join the rest of the squad when the team returns for pre-season training on 18 June.

‘Strengthening of the squad has been the number one priority for the administrative office in anticipation of a gruelling season which will see the club competing in five competitions, including the Caf Champions League, which starts in November.’

The 2018-19 Absa Premiership seasons will kick-off over the weekend of the 3-5th August 2018.

☠Bucs’ New Signings
💻https://t.co/EDimol33sY
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/BFIu1XHa51

— Orlando Pirates FC (@orlandopirates) June 11, 2018

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